Conveyancing Solicitors in reading

nnj10

Hi All,

I am a FTB, and looking to appoint a Conveyancing Solicitors for my first home purchase. I have got a quote from EA's In-house solicitor.
Doesn't look very convincing (He's asked for an advance cheque of £300 for searches), although the HIP I got from EA is only 1 week old which inludes some searches.

Looking here for advice on how to choose Conveyancing Solicitor.
I googled for local solicitors in Reading, but not much help i.e. can't see any ratings/recommendation etc.
on the other hand, Is distance really an important factor in deciding?
I prefer to use online system of tracking my case progress and so on, So that I don't have to chase him/her.
I am looking for a fast-track service, don't mind paying couple of hundred pound extra for this, as long as it is genuine and he/she does not compromise on quality of work.

Any ideas people?

Thanks in advance.

Astara

I'm using Allison Graver at Lawrence Hamblin in Reading. I found her through easier2move.co.uk
Hope that helps! She is good but don't know about a fast track service but you could ask.

Fortheloveofmoney

I've used Gordon Hewson at Barrett & Co Solicitors for a house purchase and a house sale (at different times). I would use him again without reservation.

bramble1

who ever you use DON'T USE BROWNS!!!

bramble1

forgot to say Kidd Rapinet in Maidenhead get my vote.

mandrose

Peter AC Sloan Solicitors, 20 High Street, Theale. I am so impressed with the way they are dealing with my sale/buying I would highly recommend them.

nnj10

Thanks all for your replies.

I am a bit confused with my EA's recommedation now.
He offers a sort of middle man service callsed ABC conveyancing and I can track the progress of my case through their website, Text and so on.
Also there is an XYZ solicitor involved, whom I have to pay all the fees.
The solicitor is asking for upfront £300 for searches.
The HIP is just 2 weeks old and contains water, drainage search etc.
I think all it needs now is an environmental search.
I think giving out a cheque of £300 towards searches in advance is not a good start.

What's your advice pals?

mandrose

nnj10 wrote: »

Thanks all for your replies.

I am a bit confused with my EA's recommedation now.
He offers a sort of middle man service callsed ABC conveyancing and I can track the progress of my case through their website, Text and so on.
Also there is an XYZ solicitor involved, whom I have to pay all the fees.
The solicitor is asking for upfront £300 for searches.
The HIP is just 2 weeks old and contains water, drainage search etc.
I think all it needs now is an environmental search.
I think giving out a cheque of £300 towards searches in advance is not a good start.

What's your advice pals?

Not sure if this helps but I have just paid £200 for searches to be done. The house I am buying has been on the market for a year, so searches are necessary!

nnj10

mandrose wrote: »

Not sure if this helps but I have just paid £200 for searches to be done. The house I am buying has been on the market for a year, so searches are necessary!

Don't mind paying these fees as long as the search is really required.

nnj10

mandrose wrote: »

Peter AC Sloan Solicitors, 20 High Street, Theale. I am so impressed with the way they are dealing with my sale/buying I would highly recommend them.

Had a look on their website.
All the client testimony are impressive.
I think I might go with this one.
Had a quote from them and they seem a family solicitor firm.
I am not looking for a biggie firm to deal for me.
I would personally prefer a small family run business.

Richard_Webster

I prefer to use online system of tracking my case progress and so on,

That's OK if the system explains the significance of each stage reached and what it does and doesn't mean.