Home Information Packs - HIPs

WARNING;

Prior to selecting any "internet" HIPs provider you might want to ask the following questions...

1) Are they regulated by the HIP Code - some estate agents won't accept HIPs from unregulated, non HIP Code, providers.... Online providers who say their HIPs are "Compliant" are generally not approved by the HIPcode & are trying to confuse matters. Look for the HIPcode logo...

2) Check they're listed on the PCCB (HIP Code) website. ie. www.propertycodes.org.uk & head to "register of firms" & then "search for a registered firm".... and enter Conveyancing Brokers... and our details will pop up.

3) Are they simply an EPC Provider trying to tack on the Legal work ? If they are then whilst the EPC maybe insured... the legals probably won't be.

4) Is their only payment option to ask for full payment upfront ? If so why ? Are they financially secure enough to allow you to spread the payments ? Are they an established company ?

5) Are they using Official Water & Drainage searches or the cheaper "not HIP approved" version ? A couple of firms play this game & it'll cost you more in the long run when you're subsequently told that the HIP isn't valid....

6) Do they charge extra for paying by credit card but only disclose that fact right at the very moment you come to pay ?

7) Are they using the "Official Copy Entries" or are they copying them without paying the Land Registry. This may sound a wee bit technical but the HIP watchdog aren't happy about this type of circumnavigation of the rules.

8) It takes "infrastructure" to run a decent HIP's operation. Be careful about putting your trust in "one man" bands. Ask how long they've been trading. Also ask if they have any legal experience.

9) This one's a bit of a mind teaser.... but if their website uses pictures of "foriegn houses".... a cynical person could summise that they've just bought an online "website template" for $60.00 or so, popped in some text, and hey presto... they're promoting themselves as a HIP provider ! Please refer to points, 1,2,3,4,5,6,9 & 11.

10) Are they a Limited Company ? What happens if there's a problem ?

11) If they don't like to answer the phone or suggest you should email your questions or Instructions... be careful...

12) I'm sorry if I've come across as an old cynic, which I am these days, but whatever you choose to do... all the very best ! Regards. Jon Hilton. Company Director.