conveyancing, online or local?

Richard_Webster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Karl.P
I recently bought a repo in Leicester, and went through the same dilema of whether to go via the estate agent recommended (extortionate), other local (very expensive), online (cheap to expensive, and varying reviews).

In the end I did something different, I went with "Richard Webster" who frequently posts extremely helpful advice to this forum. Whilst not as cheap as some of the online offerings, was still extremely competitive, and processed everything efficiently and to my satisfaction.

From instruction to completion was less than three weeks, could have been quicker, but I wasn't in in that much of a rush. Also got a small refund as it was cheaper than originally quoted.

For the record, other than this transaction and reading MSE posts I have absolutely no connection to "Richard Webster". I do however hope that I will be able to use his company again for any future work of this type.

:rolleyes: 4 posts and your singing the mans praises, and the post below yours looks very suspicious, richard webster seems to know a lot about hidden cost's, id bet my hat hes the one who knows how to add the hidden cost's because hes probably a master at it.;)

Confused 31 could be accused in the same way of advertising Conveyancing Warehouse. I didn't read his posts like that and I don't think he should read mine in the same way either. If my clients found that I suddenly invented a lot of "hidden costs" they would quite reasonably complain to me about it, particularly as my website and the written estimate that I send out goes to some lengths to say that I will not do that. I am sure somebody would come on this site and say that I was lying and quote chapter and verse of how I did it.

I have not made any attempt to suggest to Karl.P that he gives me a plug on this forum. I naturally hope that some people will come to me as a result of my posts, but that is always a matter for them. My website is mainly geared to attracting clients local to me, because it will obviously not be easy for them to come to see me. I do get people from out of area asking me if it is a problem them being in London or wherever. I tell them that I can do a lot of it by post and e-mail, but sometimes if there is a rush it is more convenient to have someone local that they can pop in to see. It is up to them.

My comment about "online" conveyancers was a generic one about reading the small print etc. If you do read it and find there are extras you may still decide to go with the practice concerned because they are cheaper.

The comment was not really particularly aimed at Conveyancing Warehouse, who from their website are by no means the worst offenders. I've just requested a conveyancing quote on a purchase and they set out very low figures. I opted for saying that a mortgage would be required and they have put in "Mortgage Fee - £0.00". Their Frequently Asked Questions says that there is an additional fee for mortgages of £55 + VAT so it is not clear whether the reference to "mortgage Fee - £0.00 is for something else and the £55 + VAT charge will be made or if there is a special offer on and the £55 is not being charged at the moment. Even if it is being charged, when added to the basic fee, it it still very low, so hardly worth complaining about.

They also add on for leasehold, shared ownership and new property. I think the original questions should ask those points because many people would not realise there might be an extra charge for these items. However they do say a at the bottom of their quote:

The above quote is based on a standard transaction involving registered freehold land. If this is not the case additional fees may apply.

Ideally they should put everything in the main quote because unfortunately a lot of people won't read the "Frequently Asked Questions." Having said that they are quite easy to understand and the explanations there are good and straightforward. There are some "online" practices that have the most impenetrable set of terms and conditions with extra charges hidden in the midst so that the average person would give up reading half way through the turgid mass involved and never get to or understand why they would have the extras to pay for.

I have to say I don't know how they do it for the money. I have deliberately not criticised Conveyancing Warehouse because from looking at their website in the past I didn't really seem them as "baddies" and Wayne Roberts gets a lot of Brownie points for coming on this forum and being prepared to deal with specific criticisms.

michaels

Dilemma, on-line quote about 900-1000, local cheapest about 1400, my normal solicitor 1900, big differences...hmmm

dfarry

That is a big difference, in my case the difference was about £300 and I wish I had gone local.... I have had a nightmare with my online conveyancer - the purchase side of my transaction has been complicated beyond belief and delayed unnecessarily because of the conveyancer..... we expected to complete last month... we still haven't exchanged, they don't answer my calls, rarely answer emails and are frankly very dismissive when they do communicate with me.... they are now putting my chain at risk. I have learned the hard way and I am seriously considering a formal complaint through the law society whether we complete or not.

Get some more quotes locally and try price matching one against the other, it is still a bit of a lottery as to whether you get a good solicitor but at least you can go in and demand the service you are entitled to and are paying for, unlike me.

Don't use Arc Property Solicitors.... it's a shame I have to say that because the person who has dealt with the sale side of my transaction has been very good indeed.

harriet23_2

:AI used Arc Property Solicitors. I have to say I was surprised by them - they were excellent. I know they had some issues with our buyers solicitor and we had to get the agent involved to help speed things along. The fee quoted is what I was charged so nice experience all round. Like anything get a few quotes and try to get some recommendations as I know others have not been so lucky.

charles_b_2

Many others on here have complained about Beaumont legal, but I have to say that my Solicitor there is doing a great job and keeping me informed about issues which crop up. Very quick to organise when we lost our buyer on Friday last week, had a new buyer on Saturday, Monday morning she sent the details to the new Solicitor - hats off to her.

And because of no-sale nofee, I'm not paying any more for switching buyer.

adindas

I understand that online conveyancing solicitor such as countrywide, 1stproperty lawyers/premier property lawyer everything is done electronically unless there is something to sign.

But When come to payment, how come people are confidence transferring money several thousand pounds to the company they never meet ??

Sorry for my ignorance. I am considering using online conveyancing solicitor. that is why I am asking this question.