Are You on Form for Filling in Forms?

As someone who's not easily deterred, the mere sight of a form sends me scrambling for a distraction. The usual outcome is that the form is set aside, destined to be tackled at a later, more convenient time. The number of forms that have fallen into this 'to be completed at a later date' category in my possession is a mystery even to me.

This week, forms have been making headlines. While it's universally acknowledged that forms serve a purpose and can even expedite processes, their effectiveness ultimately hinges on the content they contain. This, in turn, is a reflection of how crucial the 'form filler' deems it to be.

Many times, an interest has been found on the Internet. It may be for information, possibly a subscription, or even, on occasion, a product for which a form needs to be completed. After a time period, the point is reached when a thought comes through: “Is it really worth it?”

At our Property Quorum Podcast this morning, the topic was that of forms, and in particular, the TA forms the Law Society decided should be used as properties come onto the market to enlighten all those involved in Buying the property.

The team between them had significant experience in the world of Conveyancing. All being used to the filling of all forms of forms.

During our discussion, our Estate Agent, Rowan Waller , pointed out that the current form used for property sales, the PIQ, may not elicit a response of 'almost enough to put someone off selling a property'. However, the complexity and length of the TA6 form could potentially intimidate some potential vendors. Not a good way to start proceedings.

The quorum agreed that early information was valuable; however, it really needed to be appropriate. And the proposed TA6 form did not hit the spot. Had there been a consultation with those who had to either validate or use the form, a better result could have been obtained.

Along with Rowan and his experience with sales, Juliet Baboolal LLB (hons), LLM construction and her experience as a property lawyer, joined Mitchell Bellenie with his lender's hat and concluded that whilst the early information was important, the amended TA6 was not the right way.

In keeping with the subject of forms, our Property Podcast on Friday at 3:00 on LinkedIn heralds the return of successful mortgage broker Paul Kielman . Now, he is indeed a man so familiar with forms that he can zip through such things with ease without batting an eyelid. He knows what the lenders need to know, and that helps as well.

Tune in Friday on LinkedIn for some reassurance about form-filling and some guidance, too. Kielman Mortgages' experience will be of great help, and there's sure to be some grand advice on re-mortgaging and mortgaging itself.

Gareth Wax with his Many Purple Hats Ltd , will be as ever, keeping us on track. And don’t forget, come join us live or just come back and get the recording later. Either way comments and questions always appreciated.