Should we use estate agent's solicitor?

waterbaby

Happy New Year everybody.

Our estate agents (Halifax) would like to know whether we are using their solicitor/conveyancer service, so that they can get things going if we are.

I can't really get my head around whether that is a good idea or not. (Leaving aside price for a minute.) Does it mean that the estate agent can push the solicitor along if they are being slow, or does it mean that we have too many eggs in one basket?

Thank you for reading this.

wb.

poppysarah

You've obviously gone and got three quotes from other solicitors first?

Little_Otter

The solicitor that Halifax will be associated with may have links to the company, but they will (doubtful) not be employed by the Halifax estate agents. Its just a way for some solicitors/corporates to get more business, they offer 'deal' if you use them when buying/selling through a particular agent, and the agent will probably receive commission for referring your custom to them.
It was the same when I worked for countrywide, we were pushed to use their affiliated solicitrs for a 'commission', but the were never any better than local sols.
They are 'usually' a large corporation and it is mainly like a call centre, which imo is harder to get through to someone who knows your case. If any problems do arise it is harder to communicate as there are so many people dealing with you. If you use a local sol, you will more often than not, nearly always speak to the actual solicitor who knows your case and can tell you exactly whats going on. Your estate agent should chase your sale for you no matter which solicitor you use, I do, and imo I would rather sellers/buyers use a local small business than a large call centre type as things get done and you know whats going on.
HTH. LO

Doozergirl

Neither really.

Who are they using? Halifax, I think, are franchises operated under the Halifax name. They're either using a huge firm supplied by Halifax or simple local referrals which is what an independent EA would do. Either way, they are getting commission for that referral.

I would personally steer clear of larger operations, you can often find yourself passed from pillar to post.

Also, your EA will have no more sway than anyone else with any other solicitor. They go at their own pace, whatever that may be.

I'd go from personal recommendations from friends.