Examples of recent questions relating to the Whistletree Solicitor Panel from members of the public
A solicitor my husband and I had intended to instruct on a remortgage said she will levy higher legal fees if my lender is due to their unusual legal requirements. Will I regret using Whistletree? Any comments will be appreciated
Whistletree conveyancing requirements for their panel are no better or no more complicated than most lenders.
It is the case now the CML Handbook, the "bible" used by solicitors to establish lender requirements, is different for each lender.
It is not clear if your lawyer is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. If they are not, this does add further risk of delay as Whistletree will appoint their own solicitors to look after their interest.
We are due to exchange on the purchase a house but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the seller of £3k approx by way of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but my mortgage company Whistletree will not agree to this. Why was Whistletree even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the Whistletree conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform Whistletree of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to Whistletree then they would have to discontinue acting for you and Whistletree.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near London on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the Whistletree approved panel?
We do not recommend specific firms as the right firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with local knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. Before you appoint your lawyer we advise you to speak to two or three of the firms listed to gain comfort as to which one is right for you..
I am considering applying for a Whistletree mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 65 per cent LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Whistletree?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Whistletree will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
Intending to buy a house with a mortgage with Whistletree. I have received an online quote from a licensed conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.
They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that they are on the Whistletree conveyancing panel
Whistletree have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on house has been accepted, now what?
The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (make sure these solicitors are on the lenders panel). Call up Whistletree or your broker and complete any relevant paperwork. Whistletree will tell you what documents they want. Whistletree will instruct a valuer. The valuer will get in touch with the estate agent or seller to book an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about week to get a mortgage offer. Whistletree will issue the offer to you and your lawyer. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing.
My offer on house has been accepted, but there is a chain. The vendors have offered on somewhere, but not been accepted yet, and have viewings of other properties in the pipeline. My conveyancing solicitor has been instructed. What should be my next step? At what point should I appy for the mortgage with Whistletree?
It is usual to have concerns where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket too early (mortgage application is approx £1k, then survey/valuation, conveyancing search costs, etc). First you should check that your solicitor is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. As to the next stages this very much depends on the circumstances of your case, desire for this property and on the state of the market. In a hot mortgage some buyers would pally for the mortgage with Whistletree and pay for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they pay their solicitor to press on with searches.