Is it a good idea to go with a solicitor recommend by the estate agent?

tek-monkey

The same firm can, just not the same actual solicitor.

Richard_Webster

I used one recommended by the EA and she was brilliant. But I was from outside the area, and didn't know anyone. Also it wasn't an anonymous centralised conveyancing company, but a genuine local solicitor.

Having said that, when we sold the 'former matrimonial home', my ex instructed the centralised conveyancers recommended by the estate agent, who were linked to the EA in some way. They were a shambolic mess and the whole process was a nightmare!

In the old days before "referral fees" were allowed in some circumstances, estate agents used to recommend reasonably good local solicitors because it wasn't in their interests to recommend anyone that wasn't any good.

Nowadays, particularly with large corporates, they have a company policy of recommending a particular firm, who are rarely local. Even small agents have cottoned on to the idea that they can make something from the referral fees, so quality etc often doesn't come into it.

It isn't as bad when selling because there isn't the same potential conflict of interest but when buying I wouldn't use their recommended solicitor as there will be the temptation to mention any negative things found out about a property only to the minimum extent necessary to satisfy professional obligations, and often in a way that is just defend-able before the Solicitors' Regulation Authority, but really doesn't flag up to the average lay person the issue in question.

charliee_3

i probably wouldnt go with one the EA recommends as IMO they rarely recommend based on performance, more it is the one that has links with them or that they get a commision. We just bought a house and the vendors went with the EA solicitors and they were a nightmare, the ONLY people who could get through to them seemed to be the EA's so they had to do all the calling for everyone and constantly chase them up. You could ask who they recommend and then do your own research on the comapny, or ask for the phone number and try and call them yourself to see what sort of company they are and if you can actually get through to someone... better to find out now that they dont ever answer their phone or return calls, or you can only ever speak to a helpdesk monkey who knows nothing about anything and doesnt have the power to help...

Bufger

Easy Answer = NO

also not good to go with a cheap online solicitor.

Go to a professional and pay that little bit more. Find a respectable and savvy friend and ask who they use. Dont ask your mate down the pub who once had a solictor to help him in his divorce, go to someone you know who has bought and sold a few properties because the chances are they will have tried a few and found a good one.