Remote Conveyancing: Adapting to a Post-Pandemic World
Conveyancing is all about the process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. Traditionally, this process has always been done face-to-face, with the client meeting the solicitor in person to work out all the details and minutiae involved.
In a post-COVID-19 world, this is no longer a necessity. Since the pandemic, individuals and businesses have adapted to the new normal of remote work and digital interactions, thanks to advances in remote conferencing capabilities and digital technology.
Like many other industries, the conveyancing industry has evolved to meet the demands of an increasingly digitised world. Face-to-face meetings are no longer a necessity, and business can be conducted remotely with ease.
Let's explore various aspects of remote conveyancing, ranging from conducting online transactions to receiving virtual assistants.
Doing Transactions Online
The rise of e-commerce and its boom during the pandemic have spilled over into conveyancing. Property transactions can now be conducted entirely online, without the need for purchasers, buyers and their solicitors to ever meet in person. This is made possible through the digitisation of documents, the use of electronic signatures, and the prevalence of secure online platforms for communication and document exchange.
Documentation digitisation is arguably one of the most important aspects of remote conveyancing. As the world moves away from paper-based business to reduce costs and improve environmental sustainability, the conveyancing industry is increasingly leaning towards digitised property documents, contracts, deeds and certificates.
Not only does this make things more convenient and environmentally friendly but it also allows for more secure storage online. By storing documents on the cloud and making multiple backups, these documents are no longer at risk of being stolen or destroyed in a fire.
Moreover, digitised documents allow parties involved to access and review them from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, making them much more convenient and accessible for all.
Electronic signatures have also advanced, allowing parties to sign legal documents electronically and eliminating the need for physical signatures, which can also enhance security.
While cybercrime is an ever-present concern, online platforms designed for conveyancing facilitate highly secure communication and document exchange between parties through features such as encrypted messaging, remote document storage and more.
Virtual Assistance
One benefit of online conveyancing is that virtual assistance can be provided to clients throughout the process with far greater ease than was previously possible using traditional face-to-face methods.
Virtual meetings through video conferencing platforms allow conveyancers to interact with clients in a virtual face-to-face manner without physical meetings. Such meetings save time and transportation costs while still providing the same level of service and personal interaction that clients require.
Additionally, regular phone and email support can supplement the service provided to clients, with conveyancers able to promptly respond to enquiries and provide guidance throughout the process.
Online virtual assistance allows clients to quickly review and discuss documents with their conveyancer online, even using collaborative document editing tools and secure file-sharing platforms to process the administrative aspect of conveyancing more efficiently without the need for in-person meetings.
Eliminating Office Visits
Through the leverage of modern technology and various digital tools, the entire conveyancing process can now be completed remotely. This accessibility makes property transactions possible for individuals who may not have access to physical interactions due to mobility issues or living in remote locations.
Removing the barrier of requiring physical presence allows more people to participate meaningfully in the property market with ease. It provides added safety by reducing unnecessary travel and exposure to potential infectious diseases.
Remote conveyancing enables clients and solicitors alike to prioritise their safety while still completing property transactions effectively and efficiently.
Apart from these benefits, one of the greatest advantages of online conveyancing is its convenience. Managing the entire process from the comfort of one's own home or personal office makes property transactions far more palatable and less time-consuming, saving time and avoiding the need for travel. Individuals can thus dedicate their time and resources to more productive pursuits while still achieving everything needed for their property transaction.
All in all, remote conveyancing provides a means for clients, solicitors and real estate agents to get everything done in a much safer, more convenient and cost-effective manner.
If you’re looking for an expert in conveyancing to assist you in your property purchasing or selling endeavours, then contact us at Gullickson Lawyers. Whether you want to interact in person or remotely, we’ll ensure you get the right solicitor to handle all of your property needs.