CONVEYANCING
Why use a Settlement Agent or Conveyancer in Western Australia?
When buying or selling property you need the services of a Licensed Settlement Agent (Conveyancer) to prepare the necessary documents and complete the transfer of the certificate of title from the vendor to the purchaser.
A Settlement Agent (Conveyancer) can negotiate any special needs of the client, liaise with you, the Real Estate Agent and the lender.
At all times the Settlement Agent (Conveyancer) can advise on various options and act to protect the client’s interests, including completing relevant searches to ensure that you, and the client, are fully informed of any encumbrances on the property.
All members have the support and backing of the only professional body representing the Conveyancing Profession in WA, the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA Division (AICWA). The AICWA in representing Settlement Agents (Conveyancers), is focused solely on Conveyancing and as a member, they are provided with up to date information and the support needed to act competently and professionally in Conveyancing. Take advantage of the professional service and expertise offered to you as the Real Estate Agent by AICWA Members knowing that you are in the safe hands of an expert Settlement Agent (Conveyancer).
Being a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA Division means that the Settlement Agent (Conveyancer) must abide by the rules under the code of conduct of the AICWA which promote the highest levels of professional Conveyancing and ethical service.
The AICWA promotes the view that members should complete more than the compulsory requirements set down by the Settlement Agents Supervisory Board (SASB) and that continuing education is of utmost importance for maintaining and enhancing the skill and expertise that is needed to remain abreast of the ever changing nature of the Conveyancing Profession.
AICWA has initiated a programme to differentiate between those providing the highest levels of service and knowledge to you and your client. Those attaining this level will be recognised as Certified Practicing Conveyancers.
A CPC is a ‘Certified Practising Conveyancer’. To become a CPC, a Settlement Agent (Conveyancer) must have completed the educational and practical training requirements to hold certification and must also be a member of the AICWA. To maintain certification they must also complete the annual continuing education requirements.
The AICWA provides the facility by which members can complete these requirements.
CPC’s must also abide by a strict set of rules designed to ensure the highest levels of professional and ethical Conveyancing standards.
Settlement Agents (Conveyancers) have been attending training sessions in 2009 to be prepared to be recognised as the first CPCs in Western Australia in March 2010.
The Conveyancers WA Division (AICWA)promotes the view that members should complete more than the Compulsory Professional Development(CPD) requirements, set down by the Department of Commerce and that continuing education is of the utmost importance for maintaining and enhancing the skill and expertise that is needed to remain abreast of the ever changing nature of the Conveyancing Profession.
AICWA has initiated a programme to differentiate between those providing the highest levels of service and knowledge to their clients. Those attaining this level are recognised as Certified PractisingConveyancers.
A CPC is a ‘Certified PractisingConveyancer’ and to become a CPC, a Settlement Agent must have completed the educational and practical training requirements to hold certification and must also be a member of AICWA.
To maintain certification they must also complete the annual continuing education requirements. CPC’s must also abide by a strict set of rules designed to ensure the highest levels of professional and ethical Conveyancing standards.
“Make Them Your Best Friend”
First and foremost you should contact your Certified Practising Conveyancer, who will be:
- A Member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA Division Inc.
- Licensed under the Settlement Agents Act 1981
- Have at least 5 years experience as a practising Conveyancer
- Be accredited as a Certified Practising Conveyancer by the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA Division Inc.
Your Certified Practising Conveyancer is one of the very few property professionals who you actually engage to act entirely for you and that is very reassuring when seeking advice and requiring a professional to recommend other professionals or to scrutinise conditions on a contract or indeed the full contract.
Your Certified Practising Conveyancer can with your knowledge and approval, act for both parties to a contract but only under strict conditions and with full disclosure to you, the client.
Your Certified Practising Conveyancer can on your invitation recommend other professionals within the Real Estate industry to you that you may require as well as provide information on, affordability issues, concessions, building inspections, insurance, deposit guarantees and other services available to you the property buyer.
A Settlement Agency must maintain a policy of Professional Indemnity Insurance to be licensed in Western Australia and consumers are further protected by the SASB fidelity guarantee fund.
The AICWA promotes and educates its members in risk management procedures. These programmes are specifically designed for the Conveyancing Profession that assists and monitors the risk management procedures followed by all Settlement Agents (Conveyancers).
The Risk Management Procedures are in place for the protection and confidence of clients using the services of members of the AICWA and accredited CPCs.