Finding a good conveyancing solicitor!

goldy26

How do I know a solicitor is good for carring out my conveyancing? I am a FTB, so have no idea what qualites to look for when searching for a good solicitor. Don't want to end up buying a property then it takes ages for the process to go through. One of the EA's I went to recommended countrywide services. But have heard some bad stories about them.
Any help appreciated.

poppysarah

Ring round some local solicitors. Ask them to send you written quotes about their fees so you can properly compare.

Countrywide are dear imo.


Ask your friends who've sold recently who they used and what they thought.

Judge how efficient they are on answering the phone and sending a letter out. when you ring them for a quote!

Doozergirl

As a first time buyer I would recommend a small firm. If you end up with countrywide you're just another number and you will constantly have to chase them and if you don't know the process how do you know what to chase?

Ask friends who have had seamless transactions

Premier_2

goldy26 wrote: »

... One of the EA's I went to recommended countrywide services. ...

That EA wasn't Bairstow Eves was it? :rolleyes:
(since they are all the same company)


As Doozergirl & poppysarah says, best to choose a solicitor/conveyancer by personal recommendation from others who have used them.

olbas_oil

Ring for a quote, and ask to speak to the person who will actually be handling the work. If they can't find time to speak to you, that's probably going to be the same answer when you really need to discuss an issue.
Much of the perception that conveyancing was a very skilled process is a hangover from the days when title needed to be proven by invstigating previous conveyances. Now the Land Registry guarantees title on registered properties, so the main risk of buying something from someone who doesn't own it has gone.
Interpretation of searches, and any rights of way, restrictive covenants etc, are important, but what is never done is a walk around the site & neighbourhood to see what these mean, on the ground. That you should do yourself.
So I wouldn't overly worry about the 'skill' of the conveyancer.(You're not about to be able to test this anyway - I think you have to assume that they know how to write a letter) It is their efficiency and availability to discuss your case that matters.
But the most important question is:
"You're not going to be on holiday while this is going through are you?"

goldy26

Premier wrote: »

That EA wasn't Bairstow Eves was it? :rolleyes:
(since they are all the same company)


As Doozergirl & poppysarah says, best to choose a solicitor/conveyancer by personal recommendation from others who have used them.

Yes it was!

goldy26

olbas_oil wrote: »

Ring for a quote, and ask to speak to the person who will actually be handling the work. If they can't find time to speak to you, that's probably going to be the same answer when you really need to discuss an issue.
Much of the perception that conveyancing was a very skilled process is a hangover from the days when title needed to be proven by invstigating previous conveyances. Now the Land Registry guarantees title on registered properties, so the main risk of buying something from someone who doesn't own it has gone.
Interpretation of searches, and any rights of way, restrictive covenants etc, are important, but what is never done is a walk around the site & neighbourhood to see what these mean, on the ground. That you should do yourself.
So I wouldn't overly worry about the 'skill' of the conveyancer.(You're not about to be able to test this anyway - I think you have to assume that they know how to write a letter) It is their efficiency and availability to discuss your case that matters.
But the most important question is:
"You're not going to be on holiday while this is going through are you?"

No, will not be on holiday through all this!