As with many aspects of modern life, technology is playing an increasingly prevalent role in residential conveyancing (property sales, property purchases, transfers of equity and remortgages) to reduce the time involved in the conveyancing process.

Having worked in residential conveyancing since 2013, over the years I have seen how technology has improved efficiency in transactions for conveyancers and their clients. When I began my career, the legal conveyancing world was still heavily reliant on physical paper documentation, such as mortgage offers and search reports, and communication with clients was largely through traditional paper correspondence (occasionally fax!) and the widespread use of email as the main form of communication, digital documents and the ability to access online information was still in its infancy.

Fast forward 10 years and emails are the new post, mortgage lender and other third-party online portals have banished paper-based correspondence and faxes are almost non-existent. As the world of residential conveyancing continues to embrace technology and evolve how are we at Clark Willis harnessing technology for the benefit of our clients and the planet?

Service Timescales

Over the past few years we have continued to invest in technology to improve our service through a new, conveyancing specific case management system, dual screening of pcs and laptops, scanning of incoming post and team training and development  to improve our service delivery to clients.

Our new case management system enables swifter production of routine correspondence, the automation of some document production and the direct integration with third parties, such as our search providers to request searches instantaneously electronically, all of which combine to enable our conveyancers to focus and attend to the bespoke elements of our service more quickly, such as our detailed reports to our clients on the property they are purchasing.

The Land Registry are also increasingly embracing technology over traditional post based applications and queries. Most communication and applications that we submit on behalf of our clients are undertaken via the Land Registry’s online portal allowing instantaneous uploading with Land Registry responses and results returned to us via the same portal, minimising postal delays and speeding up transactions for our clients.

We can already see the difference our developments and Land Registry technological advancements are making to the efficiency of our transactions and our clients are enjoying the benefits.

Client Communications

We have always prided ourselves on the communication levels we give to our clients, such as  a specified, friendly and knowledgeable file handler responsible for each transaction but the process efficiency savings enables our team to now spend additional time guiding our clients through what is often a tricky and (sometimes) stressful process, especially for first time buyers. Whether it is guiding clients through Sellers Property Information forms, explaining the details of restrictive covenants affecting their property or the details of a multi dwelling private septic tank that they are about to become responsible for  – our team can ensure they have the time and availability for clients.

We also understand that  a number of our clients would prefer traditional, paper based correspondence rather than online and digital communication and documents they receive and of course we are always happy to oblige where requested. As a longstanding High Street firm of Solicitors in the Darlington, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire areas, we can offer the best of both worlds. Unlike many large scale online based conveyancing firms, clients can attend our offices in person, have face to face appointments and direct telephone discussions with their designated conveyancer, throughout the process.

The Environment

A key environmental benefit of harnessing technology is the reduction of paper that we consume as a business. Across all our departments we have been able to significantly reduce the paper we use internally, and send externally to clients and third parties by choosing digital methods instead.

On a global scale, going paper light is proven to help reduce the impact forests and cuts energy and emissions used in paper production and transportation,  but on a more local scale helps our business reduce our own energy consumption with less printing required and a reduction in the carbon footprint to send that paper based correspondence. This is part of an overall strategy within the firm to reduce our impact on the environment through a number of strategies including recycling initiatives, energy efficiency and electric company vehicles.

The Perfect Balance

Technology is becoming mainstream in so many aspects of our lives and will increasingly have a pivotal role to play in all elements of legal services in the future. Technology on its own however will not alone ensure legal services users will have an enjoyably conveyancing experience unless the technology deployment is balanced alongside a more personal, human based element of service delivery.

When seeking a conveyancing team to act for you in your next property sale, property purchase or remortgage, it is important to ensure you choose a conveyancer who embraces technology but in a way that enhances that service and where quality still matters. The importance of having a contactable, expert property lawyer supporting clients through the conveyancing process cannot be undervalued and that is why the property team at Clark Willis will continue to offer our clients the best of both worlds. So whether you want to contact us online or pop into your local Clark Willis Solicitors office in Darlington or Northallerton to speak to us, our team will be ready and waiting to get you moving.