Competitve house purchase solicitors?

pincher_of_pennies_2

We're in the process of instructing a solicitor for the purchase of a house. I do prefer online/phone/email services with case tracking if available. Does anybody have a solicitor who they would recommend, I do have one I have used in the past but just want to compare prices.

I have had quotes from Wolsten homes, and read on a few websites about the service. Has anyone had a good experience with these people?

Thanks for taking the time to read the thread.

bmunky7

When I was looking for a conveyancer I came across MovingAhead who look good, although I ended up just going for an estate agent recommendation (not a good idea in hindsight!).

Bufger

Dont go for Needham & James. They look very professional and charge alot for a 'professional service' but are just as useless as most others.

overandout_2

I went with MovingAhead - they are really efficient.

Communication is excellent. Every phonecall does get picked up pretty quickly and never goes to voicemail. When my solicitor isn't free to speak and I ask her to give me a call back, she does it almost immediately. Never really had to call her back. And I tend to email a lot as well. No matter how silly the questions, I get a reply within 2 hours... And I tend to email a lot. Some days, I tend to email up to 5 times a day to her with questions...

I only have one solicitor to deal with; hence very personal and she is always on top of things.

They are not cheap - but very efficient....would recommend them to you. And oh yes, they do update their online tracking once a task is completed - on the same day.

Mike_Teas

pincher_of_pennies wrote: »

We're in the process of instructing a solicitor for the purchase of a house. I do prefer online/phone/email services with case tracking if available. Does anybody have a solicitor who they would recommend, I do have one I have used in the past but just want to compare prices.

I have had quotes from Wolsten homes, and read on a few websites about the service. Has anyone had a good experience with these people?

Thanks for taking the time to read the thread.

Hope that you have not been caught up with these guys

According to the BBC the firm has just been shut down and five solicitors have had their licenses suspended by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) amid claims of dishonest behaviour.

According to the BBC the Legal Complaints Commission (LCC) is dealing with 116 complaints from customers who say they have lost money. In a statement it said it intervened on December 24 and 27, adding: "The grounds for the intervention were suspected dishonesty and breaches of the Solicitors Accounts and Practice Rules."

An SRA spokesman said "For those who fear they have lost money, it will be dealt with by the solicitors indemnity insurance or the SRA Compensation Fund."

Such words are of no comfort to those seller’s and buyers who feel abandoned.

Trollfever

Threads running here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...html?t=1877331

and here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...html?t=1792897



.

HellsGranny

There are several threads slagging off Wolstenholmes, so beware if you opt for them.

Cheers, HG

nicjp

I've just completed my sale and purchase using Simpson Millar. Good service, named person and direct line/email to contact. Always followed up questions I raised. Costs were competitive too. I would recommend them.

Frontera2

nicjp wrote: »

I've just completed my sale and purchase using Simpson Millar. Good service, named person and direct line/email to contact. Always followed up questions I raised. Costs were competitive too. I would recommend them.

I'd second that, Simpson Millar dealt with the sale of our last home and they were top rate. Using them again to purchase another property, excellent service.

timmyt

use a local solicitor who have a reputation not a factory sell em cheap, as that is what you will get.

case tracking. such a red herring. I would never force you off to a website to update you. I keep in regular touch, so much so you know what is happening. that sort of service is for junior lawyers or headset opertors. good luck having them handle your expensive transaction

G_M

Don't really understand why this defunct thread has been resurrected, but the old 'local' Vs 'National' chestnut is the red herring here.

Some nationals are excellent, some rubbish.
Some locals are excellent, some rubbish.

When comparing quotes, make sure you compare like-for-like and all 'extras' are quoted, either as inclusive or as extras. See here for details.