Figuring out how to choose the right lawyer or conveyancer for your property purchase can be confusing, especially when there’s so much at stake. In this episode, we sit down with George Sourris from Empire Legal in Brisbane to help break it all down for you.

George is a lawyer who specialises in conveyancing — that’s all he does, day in and day out, and he has some eye-opening insights to share. We talk about the differences between lawyers and conveyancers, the pitfalls that first home buyers often fall into, and the things you should be looking for when choosing someone to guide you through the legal side of buying property. Spoiler: reputation and experience matter more than you think!

We also get into what the conveyancing process actually involves, why it can vary depending on which state you’re in, and the risks of going with a bargain-basement, cut-price firm. If you’ve ever wondered what questions to ask a legal professional or when to actually get them involved, this episode has your answers.

Tune in — you might just pick up the advice that saves you from a costly mistake!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:02 - Meighan’s special house of the week

02:54 - Who is George Sourris?

03:26 - What’s the difference between a lawyer and a conveyancer?

05:47 - Are all lawyers familiar with the conveyancing process?

07:37 - Questions buyers can use to spot a true conveyancing specialist vs. a general lawyer

12:14 - The stages of the conveyancing process and the value of pre-contract advice

17:48 - Common mistakes first home buyers make before consulting a lawyer

23:32 - The role of a lawyer in identifying potential red flags before purchasing

27:34 - A good conveyancer comes at a cost — but is worth it

31:47 - When do you call a lawyer when a conveyancer isn’t enough

39:30 - Essential questions to ask a conveyancer or lawyer before hiring them

42:31 - Insights on pricing transparency and the hidden costs to be aware of

49:06 - Discussion on unreasonable expectations from a conveyancer or lawyer

54:59 - One thing George wishes he knew as a first time home buyer

About Our Guest:

George Sourris is the Co-Founder and Legal Practice Director of Empire Legal in Brisbane, specialising in conveyancing across Queensland. With a law degree from Queensland University of Technology and experience as a Lead Genius at Apple Inc., George combines legal expertise with a client-first approach. Known for his approachable nature, he is dedicated to helping clients make informed property decisions.

Connect with George Sourris:

• Website https://empirelegal.com.au/
• LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/georgesourris-empirelegal

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast support@homebuyeracademy.com.au
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

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