About Morvanna

This week In Conversations, we hear from Yasmin Parker, Principal of QPLG in Townsville.   For many years Yasmin has been a strong advocate for e-conveyancing and is passionate about ensuring she provides her clients with the very best customer service possible.   Have you had to adapt your working environment since COVID-19?   There has been less face to face contact with clients – what can be done over the phone or electronically is done that way and the essential tasks such as witnessing transfers are completed face to face.  For some clients, I have travelled to see them to reduce the number of people they come in contact with.   How have you maintained connection and the relationship with your clients during this time?   I’m still available for appointments with clients if they would like to meet and clients know I will always pick up the phone when they call.  It’s also been interesting to hear the experience of clients from New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand about how the COVID-19 changes have impacted them.   What security features about PEXA do you think benefit your client?   I have just started using PEXA Key and I think this is the safest way to make sure that the clients settlement funds are ending up exactly where the client wants them.     Why do you use PEXA Community?   I know that it is a place I can go to if I have a question or a problem, because there is always a chance someone else has had a similar experience and I might find the answer there.  I also enjoy reading about what is happening with PEXA in the other states and seeing what opportunities Queensland has to look forward to.     What’s been your experience when providing feedback to PEXA?   I haven’t yet provided feedback directly to PEXA.  If ever I have a problem or a concern in the PEXA workspace, I know I can always ask our Practitioner Specialist, Morvanna Jones.  Morvanna is always happy to answer questions, provide assistance of find out more information for me.   ... View more

DNRME have today announced that the revised Queensland Titles Registry fees will take effect from 1 August 2020.    The revised fees are prescribed in the Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Legislation (Fees) Amendment Regulation 2020 which is available on the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website . To view the summary listing of the revised Titles Registry fees that will apply from 1 August 2020 please  click here. The Titles Registry online fee calculator will be updated on 1 August 2020 to reflect the revised fees that commence on that date. Please note that up to and including 31 July 2020 the existing fees will continue to apply.   For further information on the amended fees please contact the Titles Registry on 1300 255 750 or email titlesinfo@dnrme.qld.gov.au.   ... View more

Starting this week of In Conversations, we hear from Madeleine Hillier, Solicitor at Smithfield Law in Cairns.   The Team @SmithfieldLaw are lawyers with attitude, compassion and a sense of humour.  Their  aim is to provide their clients with professional and affordable legal and practical advice and to assist them when they need it the most.   Have you had to adapt your working environment since COVID-19? Increasing our office cleanliness (wiping down surfaces etc), avoiding sharing pens, emailing/posting documents rather than offering collection and keeping a safe distance from visitors/staff.   How have you maintained connection and the relationship with your clients during this time? A good number of walk-in clients greatly appreciate that we have not locked our doors and are still open to assist with our Free JP service or taking appointments for initial consultations.   New faces are a refreshing break from isolation – we enjoy the new opportunities to share our experiences and having an ear for theirs.   We have been contacted by interstate law firms to assist with witnessing/identification. We go the extra mile with helping out the members of our community who have been cut off from other states. We have been waiving some disbursements like printing – every penny counts and clients are very grateful for our friendly assistance and time.   Is there anything in particular your firm focuses on for security? We are vigilant with confirming bank account details either in person, by video link or over the phone with regular clients.   What’s something you have learnt recently about Cyber Security? We have recently learned about the risks of using the Google Chrome saved passwords function. Our IT team have recommended we use ‘Last Pass’ instead – it is really handy to use especially for saving usernames and passwords for council searches we do not regularly use. No more flipping through our outdated folder of passwords and calling up councils.   What’s your favourite help tool on community? The webinars are a great way to refresh our knowledge on procedure and answer any questions we have (or didn’t know we had) about using PEXA.   Why do you use PEXA Community? It encourages individual professional development and is quick and easy.   What’s been your experience when providing feedback to PEXA? We have not provided much feedback but when we do we contact our PEXA Direct Specialist, Morvanna Jones, and we are satisfied that we are heard and a solution is provided.     ... View more

Congratulations to Salerno Law for achieving over 100 PEXA settlements!    Salerno Law are a firm that are committed to their clients and who care about the outcomes that they deliver.  This is what drives their unique attention to detail and commitment to results and it is of no surprise that they have reached this amazing milestone so quickly.   With offices in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Los Angeles in the USA, and Ayrshire in Scotland they recognised early on the importance of embracing e-conveyancing as it enables them to provide a streamlined service to their clients wherever they are in the world and aligns with their values of providing excellent customer service and being committed to their clients.   Great work to the team at @Salerno.  Thanks for sharing the pics of your well-earned celebration with us.  We all look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you in the future.   ... View more

  PEXA and the QLD Team are working in collaboration with industry to ensure that in the current uncertain times, businesses continue to operate, with technology playing a defining role in this.  It is important to us that you feel supported during these times so if there is something we can do to help you please feel free to reach out to your PEXA Specialist to discuss same.   These are some of the things we are currently doing to provide support to our Members:-   Supporting you Your local QLD PEXA Specialist is here to meet with you virtually to help you transact online with confidence and ease. There are also a number of recorded webinars and Community support you through the process. See full details here.   Better Together 50% of Pricing In support of QLD PEXA members and the shift to electronic, the current pricing offer will now be extended until 30 September 2020. Receive 50% off the price for Transfers, Priority Notices and Transmissions. See full details here   Free Virtual VOI Offer GlobalX are offering PEXA members in Queensland, free access to VirtualVOI until 30 June 2020, supporting you with digital transactions*. See full details here.  We’d like to remind you that ARNECC has issued a statement for completing VOIs and CAFs during the COVID-19. You can continue to make VOI face to face appointments remain available via Australia Post, ZipID and IDSecure.   Click here to see other ways PEXA is supporting you and your business during COVID-19. ... View more

It seems like only yesterday that I was in Mossman celebrating Bolt Burchill Tranter becoming the first firm in the Cairns region to become PEXA Certified and today I had the pleasure of joining them in a virtual morning tea to celebrate the momentous milestone of hitting over 100 PEXA settlements.   As PEXA’s most northerly registered firm Bolt Burchill Tranter pride themselves in advancing their clients’ interests and strengthening their business and the local community and this milestone reinforces that this firm truly lives by their values.   Congratulations to the team. This is an amazing achievement that you should all be extremely proud of.    ... View more

For each PEXA transaction, the practice must obtain a Client Authorisation Form signed by the Client or Client Agent (e.g. an attorney).  It is essential that this form is completed and signed correctly.   The signed copy of the form must remain on file (either electronically or otherwise) throughout the lifecycle of your matter (including the obligation to retain for 7 years post completion).   Decide when this will be provided to clients   (e.g. posted out with the engagement letter or handed to client in interview at the time of VOI)?   You can download a copy of the Client Authorisation Form by visiting the ARNECC website at   http://www.arnecc.gov.au/publications   If you are a Subscriber that is a Representative, you must:   use the Client Authorisation Form for any Client Authorisation you enter into; and except for Caveats and Priority/Settlement Notices you must enter into a Client Authorisation with your Client before the Subscriber Digitally Signs any Document; and comply with the Client Authorisation; and take reasonable steps to verify the authority of each Person entering into a Client Authorisation. The below is an example of a completed Client Authorisation Form taken from MPR Guidance Note #1 – Client Authorisation Updated - February 2019 which can be found on the ARNECC website here. Why is a Client Authorisation Required? In electronic conveyancing a client will not be able to access the electronic lodgment network to sign an instrument or document. A Client Authorisation is required to give the client’s conveyancer or lawyer authority to sign the instrument or document on the client’s behalf.   When is a Client Authorisation Required? A Client Authorisation is required whenever a lawyer or conveyancer represents a client in a transaction in an electronic lodgment network, except where the lawyer or conveyancer is preparing and lodging a caveat or, in those jurisdictions that have them, a priority notice.   How is a Client Authorisation Completed? A Client Authorisation is completed by the client and the conveyancer or lawyer. Once complete, it is signed by the client or its attorney or agent as a granting of that authorisation.   ... View more

  We hope that you, your family and loved ones are safe during the unprecedented COVID-19 situation.   Coming to Queensland ,  PropertyX 2020 Connect is a virtual event series that aims to bring our member community together to upskill and share knowledge with peers and industry leaders, providing thought leadership and inspiration.   Alongside your Queensland property colleagues, this event is an opportunity to explore current market trends and receive the latest security guidance, particularly around new challenges we are facing and how to securely work remotely.   As our industry continues to navigate through this testing period, you’ll also hear from leading Australian economist, Craig Emerson, who will provide insights and predictions on the property sector and the nation’s economy.   QLD | Virtual Event Details Date: Thursday 4th June 2020 Time: 11:00am (AEST)   Please register here.   We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us in this virtual event, held exclusively for our Queensland network.   ... View more

QLD Digital Property Webinar on Tuesday, 21 April 2020 Thank you for all attendees of our Digital Property Webinar last Tuesday as well as a big thank you to Professor Sharon Christensen & Simon LaBlack for being our guest speakers. During the webinar Simon addressed how to effectively deal with the practical everyday matters that arise when transacting property on PEXA, with a focus on maintaining compliance with Lexon’s Conveyancing Protocol. He provided first-hand practical tips to assist practitioners towards digital readiness, implementing best practice (including VOI for PEXA Transactions) and effective technology, systems and processes to improve outcomes for both lawyers and clients. Sharon addressed electronic signing of contracts including the fundamental rules and key risks, as well as how to tender in an electronic settlement – what to do and how to prove you are you are ready willing and able. If you missed the w ebinar or would like to watch it again you can do so here (Then select QLD Webinars). ... View more

Tip of the Month!   It is important now more than ever that your client’s interests are protected. Utilising PEXA to lodge Priority Notices is a fast, effective and secure way to ensure the priority of the transactions are noted.   When recorded on title, a Priority Notice has a twofold effect: Reserve priority for the transaction set out in the Priority Notice, and Notify parties searching the title that a transaction to be lodged against title is imminent.   With the Land Registry announcing that from today the DNRME business centres are being closed and to avoid densely populated areas we are encouraging all QLD practitioners to lodge their Priority Notices electronically to ensure instant registration.   Currently in QLD, the Better Together campaign means that lodging a Priority Notice via PEXA is $4.60.   For more information on how to lodge a Priority Notice please see here.     Hints & Tips for PEXA Users in QLD   As more members have joined our network and we have had the opportunity to work with everyone over past few weeks we have made a few observations that we hope will improve the quality of your transaction.   Did you know you can easily act for both parties and setup in the workspace settings:   When creating additional roles remember to click the blue "save" button, very often it is missed. Make sure that the Incoming Proprietor allows for the Registration Fee of the Discharge of Mortgage and the new Mortgage. Best practice is to Stamp 2-3 days prior to settlement. When stamping it is important to ensure you select the correct payment option.  This   link   provides an explanation of the three options. You should complete TFRS (Total Funds Required to Settle) when the settlement statement is compete, optimally 5 days prior to settlement.  You should do a conversation to your Mortgagee on Title advising them of the total funds they will receive at settlement, again, optimally 5 days prior to settlement. If your bank is not “Accepted” for settlement, this means that you will need to chase them up like normal.  Please don’t send a conversation the day before and expect immediate turn around. Treat invitation acceptance as you would a settlement booking and not assume. If you encounter a situation where your documents are Stuck in Verification with the registry (say, longer than a minute) please call PEXA Support to identify if it is merely a delay in receiving the verification or there is an underlying issue with your document preparation. Be aware there may be a PEXA Mortgage/Discharge of Mortgage fee when dealing with Panel Firms. It is prudent to check early if there will be a late notice fee added by the panel lawyer. We would like to remind the network that at this time we have many members undertaking their first of second transaction,  please exercise kindness as members navigate the platform at different experience levels.   For general queries regarding stamping ELN Transactions please refer to OSR's Econveyancing Toolkit. To learn more about e-Conveyancing and eLodgement with Land Registry you can visit their website   here. ... View more

As more members have joined our network and we have had the opportunity to work with everyone over past few weeks we have made a few observations that we hope will improve the quality of your transaction.   Did you know you can easily act for both parties and setup in the workspace settings:   When creating additional roles remember to click the blue "save" button, very often it is missed. Make sure that the Incoming Proprietor allows for the Registration Fee of the Discharge of Mortgage and the new Mortgage. Best practice is to Stamp 2-3 days prior to settlement. When stamping it is important to ensure you select the correct payment option.  This link provides an explanation of the three options. You should complete TFRS (Total Funds Required to Settle) when the settlement statement is compete, optimally 5 days prior to settlement.  You should do a conversation to your Mortgagee on Title advising them of the total funds they will receive at settlement, again, optimally 5 days prior to settlement. If your bank is not “Accepted” for settlement, this means that you will need to chase them up like normal.  Please don’t send a conversation the day before and expect immediate turn around. Treat invitation acceptance as you would a settlement booking and not assume. If you encounter a situation where your documents are Stuck in Verification with the registry (say, longer than a minute) please call PEXA Support to identify if it is merely a delay in receiving the verification or there is an underlying issue with your document preparation. Be aware there may be a PEXA Mortgage/Discharge of Mortgage fee when dealing with Panel Firms. It is prudent to check early if there will be a late notice fee added by the panel lawyer. We would like to remind the network that at this time we have many members undertaking their first of second transaction,  please exercise kindness as members navigate the platform at different experience levels.   For general queries regarding stamping ELN Transactions please refer to OSR's Econveyancing Toolkit. To learn more about e-Conveyancing and eLodgement with Land Registry you can visit their website here. ... View more

QLD Land Registry have issued the following on 2 April 2020:-   In support of COVID-19 requirements, titles lodgement counters are currently closed, however, existing eConveyancing and eLodgement channels are open and continue to operate on a business-as-usual basis.  On Tuesday, over 90% of all lodgements came through one of these two channels, and the documents were processed within our usual client service standards. If you are concerned about meeting ongoing business requirements in the current environment, then it is recommended that you consider subscribing to eConveyancing or eLodgement. Subscribing to eConveyancing provides the following benefits: Settlements can be arranged and fulfilled without the need for face-to-face contact Transactions are lodged with the Titles Registry electronically Minimal delays will be experienced due to COVID-19 requirements Increased accuracy and fewer requisitions To learn more about eConveyancing and eLodgement, visit our website ... View more

In recent weeks, we have received feedback from our members, requesting a guide with information around the on-boarding and set-up process, for use in tandem with their initial letters to the other side’s representative, to help ensure a settlement can proceed electronically.   To support the QLD Network, we have created the attached document that can be used to send to the other party when they are not registered for PEXA. This helps consolidate the latest updates and key links in one easy-to-access resource.   Best wishes,   Morvanna ... View more