17 Conveyancer Interview Questions and Answers

Conveyancers are responsible for the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. In other words, when you buy or sell a house, the conveyancer is the one who makes sure the ownership is transferred correctly and all the paperwork is in order.

While the role of a conveyancer is mostly administrative, it’s still important to be able to answer some common interview questions so you can show you’re the right person for the job.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common conveyancer interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next interview.

Are you familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to real estate transactions?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of the industry and how you apply it. Use examples from your experience that show you understand the laws and regulations, as well as how they affect real estate transactions.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to real estate transactions. In my last position, I was responsible for ensuring all documents were filed correctly and on time. This included making sure all parties involved in the transaction had their signatures notarized and recorded properly. I also ensured that all required disclosures were made available to buyers and sellers.”

What are the most important factors you consider when reviewing a mortgage or deed?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from past projects that highlight your ability to analyze documents, understand legal terminology and make decisions based on these factors.

Example: “I always consider the client’s needs when reviewing a mortgage or deed. For example, in my last position, I reviewed a mortgage for a couple who wanted to buy their first home. The lender required them to have at least 20% equity in order to qualify for the loan. However, they only had 10% equity because they were buying a new construction property. I advised them to wait until they could save more money before applying for another loan.”

How would you handle a situation where two parties disagree on the terms of a contract?

An employer may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. They want to know that you can help two parties come to an agreement and avoid a lawsuit. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills to resolve the disagreement between the two parties.

Example: “I would first try to understand both sides of the issue. I would then work with each party to find a solution they are happy with. If one party is unwilling to compromise, I would encourage them to think about what’s best for their long-term goals. For example, if someone wants to sell their property but refuses to lower the price, I might remind them that lowering the price could lead to more money in the future.”

What is your process for ensuring that all relevant parties are properly notified about changes to a property’s ownership or mortgage status?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to follow protocol and ensure that all parties are aware of important information. Your answer should include a specific example of how you followed proper procedure in a previous role.

Example: “I always make sure to send out notices by certified mail, which requires a signature upon delivery. I also use an online service that sends out emails with PDF copies of the documents for each party involved. This helps me stay organized and ensures that everyone receives their notifications on time.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided legal advice to a client during a real estate transaction and explain how you determined the best course of action.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience providing legal advice and how you apply your knowledge of the law to help clients. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to use your expertise to guide clients through real estate transactions.

Example: “In my previous role as a conveyancer, I often worked with clients who were buying or selling homes. One time, I was working with a client who was purchasing a home when they asked me if they could negotiate the price of the home. I explained that while it is possible to negotiate the price of a home, there are certain factors that affect the final sale price. For example, the seller’s motivation for selling their home can impact the final sale price. I advised my client on what information they should gather from the seller to determine whether they would be willing to lower the sale price.”

If a client came to you with concerns about the legitimacy of a title report, how would you reassure them?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills and ability to diffuse a potentially difficult situation. In your answer, demonstrate that you have the interpersonal skills necessary to help clients feel comfortable with their title reports.

Example: “If a client came to me with concerns about the legitimacy of a title report, I would first listen carefully to what they’re saying and try to understand why they’re concerned. Then, I’d explain how our company thoroughly researches all documents before issuing a title report. If the client still seems skeptical, I would offer to show them the original documents we used to create the report.”

What would you do if you noticed a discrepancy in the amount of money a client owed on their mortgage compared to the amount listed on the deed?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Example: “If I noticed this discrepancy, I would first try to contact my client to see if they knew about it. If they didn’t, I would immediately call the lender to report the issue. Then, I would inform my client of what happened so that they could take action as soon as possible. In some cases, I may need to file an amendment to the deed.”

How well do you perform under pressure and what is your process for remaining calm during stressful situations?

Conveyancing can be a stressful job, especially when you’re working with clients who are anxious to close on their home. Employers ask this question to make sure that you have the ability to remain calm and focused during challenging situations. In your answer, explain how you stay calm under pressure and what strategies you use to manage stress.

Example: “I am very organized and methodical in my work, which helps me remain calm even when I’m under pressure. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that I’ve prepared for this situation. Then, I focus on one task at a time until it’s complete before moving on to the next thing.”

Do you have experience preparing closing statements for clients? What is the closing statement and what information does it include?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the closing statement and how you can use it in your work. You can also mention that a closing statement includes information about the property, such as its location, size and condition, along with details about the sale, including who sold the property and who bought it.

Example: “Yes, I have prepared closing statements for clients before. A closing statement is a document that summarizes all the important information related to a real estate transaction. It includes information about the property, like its location, size and condition, and details about the sale, such as who sold the property and who bought it.”

When would you recommend hiring an appraiser to inspect a property?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of the appraisal process and how it relates to the conveyancing industry. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of the role appraisers play in the real estate sector, as well as your ability to work with them effectively.

Example: “In my experience, I would recommend hiring an appraiser when a client wants to know the value of their property or if they want to sell it. Appraisers can help me determine the market value of a property by inspecting its features and comparing it to similar properties that have sold recently. This information helps me set realistic selling prices for clients.”

We want to ensure that our clients are happy with our services. How would you rate your customer service skills?

Conveyancers often work with clients who are buying or selling a home. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to help their clients feel comfortable and confident in your services. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped customers solve problems, answer questions or resolve issues.

Example: “I pride myself on my customer service skills. I always try to be friendly and helpful when answering questions or resolving issues for my clients. In my last job, I had a client who was nervous about the process of buying her first home. She called me several times with questions, but each time she would call she would get more excited about the process. By the end of our conversation, she sounded like she couldn’t wait to close on the house.”

Describe your experience with using technology to complete your work and what you like and don’t like about using digital tools for your job.

Conveyancers often use technology to complete their work, so it’s important that you are comfortable using computers and other digital tools. When answering this question, make sure to mention the specific software or programs you have used in your previous conveyancing job.

Example: “I am very familiar with using technology for my job because I worked as a conveyancer at a law firm where we used many different types of software to help us do our work. One thing I really like about using technology is how easy it makes my job to organize documents and keep track of all the information I need to complete each task. The only downside is that sometimes I find myself spending too much time on the computer when I should be out in the field meeting clients.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to this position. Think about what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

Example: “I am passionate about helping people buy and sell homes. I love being able to help clients understand the process and navigate it with ease. In my last role, I helped a client who was selling her home after her husband passed away. She had no idea where to start or what she needed to do. I guided her through the entire process and made sure she understood everything. She told me that without me, she would never have been able to get through it.”

Which real estate software programs are you familiar with?

Conveyancers often use software programs to help them complete their work. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with specific software and how you’ve used it in the past. Before your interview, make sure you research which software the company uses. If they have a preferred program that you’re not familiar with, consider researching it before your interview so you can answer honestly.

Example: “I am most comfortable using Caseflow, but I also know how to use TitlePro and eCaseFlow. In my previous position, we used all three of these programs regularly. I found that I was able to adapt to each one quickly, even though they were different from other systems I had worked with in the past.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a conveyancer to have?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer by identifying a skill from the job description and explaining how you use it in your work.

Example: “I think the most important skill for a conveyancer is attention to detail, as this helps me ensure I don’t miss any important information when reviewing documents. In my last position, I was responsible for ensuring all signatures were valid and that no one had conflicting interests with other parties involved in the transaction. To do this, I reviewed each document multiple times before submitting it to my supervisor.”

How often do you perform title searches?

Conveyancers often perform title searches to ensure that the property they’re selling or buying is free of any liens, mortgages or other claims. An employer may ask this question to make sure you have experience performing this important task. In your answer, explain how frequently you performed title searches in your previous role and what steps you took to complete them efficiently.

Example: “In my last position, I performed title searches at least once a month. I would start by searching for all properties owned by the client. Then, I would search for any properties with outstanding loans against them. If I found any, I would contact the lender to see if they were willing to sell their claim on the property.”

There is a discrepancy in the amount of money a client owes on their mortgage compared to the amount listed on the deed. What is your process for investigating this issue?

An interviewer may ask you a question like this to understand how you would handle an unexpected situation in the workplace. Your answer should show that you can use your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to find solutions to challenging problems.

Example: “I would first contact the client to see if they know why there is a discrepancy between their mortgage balance and what’s listed on the deed. If they don’t know, I would then call the lender to discuss the issue. The lender will likely have more information about the loan than the client does, so it’s important to get as much information from them as possible. After speaking with both parties, I would investigate any other documents related to the property to determine whether or not there was a mistake.”