This is a follow up post to last week's article on: Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Land: Involving a Lawyer in a Property Transaction. What are some of the things you should put in mind when dealing with a lawyer in a property transaction?

As noted in our earlier post, lawyers’ contribution to a property sell is indispensable. They have the advance knowledge and experience in such transactions, making the land transfer hustle free for you the purchaser. It is though important to note that there are fake lawyers out there who have no experience whatsoever in conveyance.  Avoid them for they could land you into some serious trouble.

Here are a couple of pointers to note:

A fake lawyer would collect money from you and after a few hours call you back to inform you that the land title is good and walk away with the money, having not confirmed whether the title deed is defective or if there is a problem with it.

We have those who never visit the property physically to inspect it. They will simply give their own professional opinion. Considering the fact that you as the client would rest your opinion on the lawyer’s observations, you could be misguided and end up losing your money due to a lawyer's ignorance.

Some lawyers never seem to interrogate the agent or landlord to know who is lying and who is being truthful. They simply recommend anything to get their commission.

Some do not even know how to detect a fraudulent survey plan, and how to read one, leave alone advising the client on what steps they should take with the survey plan. Ignore such people from day one.

Some lawyers might not bother to know the location of the property you want to buy. They simply locate documents of a property sold adjacent to that their client is interested in, photocopy it and appendix their signature and walk away with their 10%. That is not good. Never allow a lawyer to take you through such a ride.

An ideal lawyer will take you through the whole process and fulfill the job till you are satisfied before they get paid. Any lawyer asking you for immediate money or deposit for this or that without completing the job is just a fake. No work, no fees. If they continue to pester you about money from day one, know you are dealing with a shark. Your lawyer should earn her legal fees by fulfilling his or her task beyond 100%.

Scout out for property lawyers who know their onions and are ready to stick to their principles and do due diligence. Also ask the lawyer for references and ask as many questions just as you would when dealing with an agent.

Do not just hook up with anybody masquerading as a lawyer. And when you do find an ideal lawyer, always document everything: emails, phone calls, text messages, receipts everything.