Celebrating Our #TeamJCP Conveyancing Heroes

We are proud of our hardworking Conveyancers who go over and above to help our clients buy their dream homes. In a time where we have all been faced with or read about frauds and scams, they also make sure that what is probably the biggest purchase of a client's life, is carried out diligently.

We asked some of our #TeamJCP Conveyancing Heroes a few questions about their roles…

Laura Winter is a Licensed Conveyancer in our Carmarthen Residential Property team.

"I have worked at JCP for many years and I am well experienced in residential conveyancing, helping clients buy and sell their homes."

"I think clients can struggle with not being in control of timescales as there is a number of parties involved from solicitors to mortgage lenders, search providers and so on, which can cause delays."

"My favourite part of the process is completion day. Calling my client to tell them they can pick up the keys to their dream/first home and the excitement on the end of the phone is the most rewarding part of my week."

"Do your research into the area you are looking to buy. Look into the school catchment areas, shops, parks and new developments planned in the area. Also, get as much advice from the experts that are recommended to you such as estate agents, surveyors, mortgage advisors and solicitors."

"A fun fact about me is that I love playing piano."

Edwina Davies is a Licensed Conveyancer in our Carmarthen Residential Property team.

“I work as a Licensed Conveyancer in the Residential Property team, where I help people with buying, selling, and remortgaging their properties”

“The most challenging aspect of conveyancing for clients often includes the uncertainty of not having a fixed completion date from the outset, the complications arising from third-party involvement, and the need to clarify the source of funds.”

“My favourite aspect of my role is that I enjoy the client-focused nature of my role, working hand in hand with clients to make the conveyancing process as smooth and as stress-free as possible.”

“If you're thinking about buying, check out the property and the neighbourhood first and get a survey done to avoid surprises later. When selling, gather any documents related to works carried out on the house. It is also a good idea to get quotes for removal companies and buildings insurance ahead of time.”

“A fun fact about me is that I enjoy attending country music concerts.”

Beth Evans is a Legal Assistant in our Pembrokeshire Residential Property team.

"I work closely alongside Carole Cotton and Geraldine Davies in Haverfordwest who teach me more every day. I tend to take on a lot of the beginning stages of our matters such as logging initial documents, preparing contact packs, applying for searches and raising and sending enquiries to our clients. More recently I have started preparing reports and I am starting to get my head around completion statements."

"I think clients often find the time scales most frustrating. We often have to explain that some things, like the property searches, take time and delays can't be helped. They're typically very understanding about this once you've explained why, as they wouldn't know otherwise. That's why it is so important to keep your clients updated on the process."

"My favourite thing about my role is acting for first time buyers and helping them get on the property ladder. It's such a sense of achievement owning your first ever home, so it's nice to know that we have been a helping hand towards that."

"It is important to trust the process but if you're unsure then ask your Conveyancer, we'd rather you ask and get some clarification than be worrying. Also, make sure to read your documents properly!"

"A fun fact about me is that I have a 1 year old son, Griff, who has just started walking so I am VERY tired.”

Karen Johnson is a Legal Assistant in our Caerphilly Residential Property team.

"I've worked in law firms for over 25 years. My role as a Legal Assistant is to assist the Solicitor in making the process of conveyancing for the client as quick and as smooth as possible."

"I think clients tend to struggle with the lack of control over how long the process may take."

"The conveyancing world is challenging, sometimes demanding and very fast-paced so my favourite thing is when clients share their appreciation for the work you have done for them."

"I would advise anyone looking to move home soon to spend time finding the right conveyancer for you, compare quotes and read the firm's reviews."

"Now the children have grown up, I enjoy spontaneous weekends away to my favourite places in the world Devon and Cornwall."

Sarah Lowe is a Senior Legal Advisor  in our Swansea Residential Property team.

"I deal with the legal side of transferring the property ownership from one party to another and advise clients on the different aspects during the process, for example, rights and restrictive covenants within the title and search results that might affect them."

"I think the inability to provide a set completion date from the outset is what can be most frustrating. Factors which can affect the timescale include: speed of the chain, terms of mortgage offers, extensions without proper permissions and lack of information being provided at the outset. Leasehold properties and new build properties in particular can be quite complex. It is often clients who insist on particular dates that have the greatest anxiety and experience the most stress. It is only once exchange has taken place that we can say with certainty that a legal completion date can be set."

"The best thing is calling a client to confirm that completion has taken place and they can collect the keys; it is the start of a new chapter for them."

"Allow time for the legal process to take place and make sure you are happy to proceed with and commit to the transaction. Purchasing a property is a huge investment and you should ensure that all advice is read and understood. Should further specialist reports or searches be needed, ensure that this is done so that you can make a fully informed decision about the property you wish to purchase and make sure that it is still right for you."

"A fun fact about me is that I can salsa dance."

Geraldine Davies is a Senior Legal Advisor in our Pembrokeshire Residential Property team.

"I help clients with sales, purchase, transfers of equity, assents and first registrations of property at the Land Registry."

"Understandably, Clients can find it frustrating if they are not kept informed of how their matter is proceeding. We focus on giving regular updates about what is happening."

"Completing matters on behalf of Clients is my favourite thing about my role. It is always nice to hear that they are happy with how things went and that we have made the process as easy and smooth as possible."

"For people looking to buy and sell a home, my advice would be to help reduce any delays by making sure you have the house documents together, in particular FENSA certificates and boiler servicing documentation. Having up-to-date ID is also important at the start of the process alongside proof of the source of funds as without these we cannot proceed with the matter."

"I enjoy cooking, reading, knitting and spending time with my family and looking after Oscar my little grandson, when I am not holidaying in the Cotswolds or Italy."

For more information or guidance, please contact our team at hello@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or call 03333 208644.