COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for residential conveyancing lawyers. Supported by the CML and PI insurers. It is a unique risk mitigation tool.
This software facilitates the way you can prove to lender panels that you are, and can stay fully compliant with their instructions, with alerts on Whistletree’s changes. Even though utilising the software is not a condition for being on the Whistletree panel, demonstrating you can remain up to date with Whistletree’s Handbook requirements is a helpful support to your panel application and, just as importantly, safeguard your firm’s panel standing.
The software generates real-time alerts, automatically produces COLP and CQS reports, and will improve your firm's efficiency. It is also simply to use, cost-effective and, for some firms, leads to reduced PII premiums.
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Lenders frequently vary their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from Whistletree are not guidelines, they are instructions from a client. As with many clients, instructions can change - and they do change, frequently:
To find out more about lender panel compliance,
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Recent Changes Include
Last update 15/09/2019
Whistletree Solicitor Panel Sample Enquires to our Call Center
from members of the public
My husband and I are first time buyers. Within the 48 hours our property lawyer has forwarded the sale agreement to sign with a detailed report in anticipation of exchanging contracts shortly. Whistletree have this afternoon contacted us to advise us that they have now hit a problem as our lawyer is not on their approved list of lawyers. Is this a problem?
When purchasing a property with the benefit of a mortgage it is usual for the purchaser's solicitors to also act for the purchaser's lender.
In order to act for a bank or building society a law firm has to be on that lender's conveyancing panel. An application has to be made by the law firm to the lender to become a member of the lender's panel and there are increasingly strict criteria which the firm has to satisfy and indeed some lenders now require their panel members to be part of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Accreditation Scheme.
Your solicitors should contact Whistletree and see if they can apply for membership of the Whistletree conveyancing panel, but if that is not viable Whistletree will instruct their own lawyers to represent them. You are not legally obliged to appoint a law firm on the Whistletree conveyancing panel and you may continue to use your own solicitors, in which case your legal fees may increase, and it will likely delay the transaction as you are adding another lawyer into the mix.
Our god-son is purchasing a house that has just been built with a mortgage from Whistletree. His lawyer has said that there is a delay in completing the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. This document is news to me - what is it and who needs sight of it?
The form is intended to provide information to the main parties engaged in the transaction. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the Whistletree conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the valuer when asked.
The Developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it.
The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the Whistletree conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near London on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. It would be a lot more helpful if you could recommend a specific firm on the Whistletree approved panel?
We are not in the business of recommending one firm above another 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. We recommend that you speak to 3 or 4 lawyers listed before you make your choice..
I am in the process of mortgaging my flat does my lawyer have to be on the Whistletree Solicitor panel?
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 two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I'm spending time viewing apartments and am about to put in an offer. Should I already have a conveyancer appointed at this stage? I will be getting a mortgage with Whistletree
It would be sensible to have your start your search soon rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on the the EA. As you are getting a mortgage with Whistletree , make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Whistletree. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Whistletree you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Whistletree conveyancing panel.
I recently had an offer accepted on an apartment. My mortgage broker recommended their conveyancers I paid an upfront payment of 200. Soon after the conveyancers contacted me sheepishly admitting that they were not on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?
You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the Whistletree panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.
