I RECENTLY read an interesting but alarming article in the national press about house buyers information being targeted by criminals to fraudulently obtain the monies from the proceeds of a sale.

We are often questioned by would be buyers about the amount of information we require from them to confirm a sale but the reason we do this is to in fact protect the safety and security of our buyers and sellers.

Some think that selling a house is just that the “agreeing of a sale subject to contract” forgetting that is only the start of the process.

As a company, we pride ourselves on our professionalism in all that we do and this continues right through the conveyancing process until the sale completes.

Complying with money laundering legislation is an absolute basic and is a legal requirement.

Therefore, your selling agent should always ask and take full details of your identification on signing up to sell your house and do the same with a proceedable buyer once one is found.

If your chosen agent hasn’t taken details of your identification when receiving initial instructions, then you should question whether they will take all your potential buyer’s qualifying information before agreeing a sale for you; which of course includes identification for anti money laundering legislation also.

In addition to complying with the same money laundering legislation, your agent should fully financially verify every offer.

It is vital to know where the promised “cash” is coming from if no mortgage is required. Likewise if a mortgage is required, is the amount being sought realistic?

Our in-branch sales progressor (Catherine Crawshaw) is available every day to speak with our clients and this we find is so important.

No fear of a central call centre where they do not know the buyer or seller personally and where it can become a faceless transaction.

Our progressor really does know every sale well as well as each party involved.

For instance, she monitors every step of the sales process and will always chase for greater information.

A good initial example would be to ensure solicitors have been instructed by both buyer and seller at the outset.

She also checks key stages such as the mortgage valuation being booked, searches applied for and enquiries dealt with.

So often in chains we hear of important outstanding matters at the end of the sales process and this really shouldn’t be the case.

The market is still buoyant and houses are selling well.

We have seen a very large volume of viewings this month so far, but once that offer is agreed we want to see that sale through to completion.

Oh and finally the answer to avoid any risk with the monies involved in your sale; ensure your solicitor has your explicit instructions as to where any “excess” money is to be sent on completion and your correct bank details with instructions not to change these.