Conveyancers are specialists who deal with the paperwork and payments involved when transferring property ownership from one person to another in real estate. Conveyancers work with property buyers, sellers and mortgage lenders as well. A single conveyancer can represent both mortgage lender and buyer. If you are planning to start a career in conveyancing, you should consider the following:
Licensing
In order to become a licensed conveyancer, you need to undergo Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) training and examinations. The training lasts about three years and you can study part time while still working.
CLC training entry requirements
The minimum entry requirement for entering CLC training is four GCSEs that include English, English literature or anything equivalent. Individuals who are already working in a conveyancer or solicitors office have better advantage when applying for the CLC. However, if you do not currently work in a solicitor or conveyance’s office and do not have the academic qualifications, you may enter CLC training based on personal qualities and skills.
CLC training does not necessarily require a legal background, however, individuals who have degrees in law and legal studies, business management, finance, real estate, property management, survey and related courses often develop better in training for conveyancing jobs. These individuals may not need to go through the entire three years of training for CLC exams.
Development in conveyancing
Other than passing the exams, you still need at least two years experience of practical training with qualified employers such as licensed conveyancers. There are two parts to the CLC exams, the foundation exams and the final or professional exams. Once you complete all the exams, you will first receive a qualification for employment that allows you to work in a licensed conveyancing firm for three years before you can apply for a full license and begin your own practice. While holding a qualification for employment license, you need to complete at least six hours of continuous professional development yearly and full license holders have to complete twelve hours.
Duties of a conveyancer
Working as a conveyancer involves a lot of research, interaction with clients and paperwork. The conveyancer is supposed to conduct all the research pertaining to the property in question, including getting searches for the property titles, mortgage information, flood susceptibility and repairs among others. The conveyancer is also responsible for gathering all the necessary documents and drafting sale contracts for signing by the client and other important individuals. This professional works under the instruction of the client but also offer advice for the best decision-making.
Conveyancers also work closely with other real estate professionals such as agents, solicitors and mortgage lenders among others. They always have the best interest of their client at heart and therefore all decisions made should be for the benefit of the clients including protecting them against money launderers and fraudsters.
Working hours
Typical work hours are often 9-5 on a weekday basis. You can also get part time jobs offering consultation services to clients. Some employers offer conveyancing services even on weekends. Conveyancers may have an office but they still spend a lot of time travelling between visiting local authority offices and clients.
Contributed by Alex
