Choosing a conveyancing solicitor

timmyt

OP - ask away as I'll reply. The answers you get are educating us all on how to properly pick a good conveyancer and thus save us money in the long run.

Eric1

timmyt wrote: »

The OP is free to ask! Why are some people so aggressive on this site?

Well, of course everyone is free to ask, some naive ones (apparently not university students) even say things like "apologies if the topic has been beaten to death"
Ah, never mind..

ljane1988

G_M wrote: »

OK - but you've done that already:

As I pointed out recently to a solicitor on here, this is a moneysaving forum, not a market research forum, not a discussion forum, nor a university help forum.

As I have pointed out this is an "open forum" therefore people can ask whatever they like. If you do not want to help or answer any questions please do not post. And yes I have done primary research through interviews however to write a report you should use different types of primary research as much as possible. This is what I am trying to do I feel that some of the comments are a waste of time as if you feel my questions should not be asked do not post.

Thank you to all that have taken the time to give me your opinions.:)

Richard_Webster

Perfectly reasonable question to ask, but it is fair point to say that there are lots of threads on related matters from which OP could glean some data as to attitudes etc.

Pee

ljane1988 wrote: »

Hi I am currently at university and I have been requested to compose a report on how to increase the number of conveyancing clients for solicitors.
There are a number of questions I would like to be answered, no name will appear in the report, however I may quote some replies. Thank you for your help.:)

1) How do you go about finding a conveyancing solicitor? I would ask friends if I was buying locally. When I bought at a distance, I asked the estate agents for recommendations and then rang the firms concerned. I would always ring up and ask for a quote, both to get an idea of prices and to see how the call was handled.

2) What makes you choose a particular firm? I want a firm where there will be two people dealing with my file - i.e. an assistant and a solicitor so that I can speak to the same person and get some continuity. I would not be tempted by the cheap nationwide conveyancing firms, as it is too hard to get through to the same person twice.

3) Once you have used a solicitor, what would encourage you to refer them?(for example if they gave discounts, thank you gifts ect) I would refer them if they provided a good service if I knew someone I knew wanted a Solicitor - but probably only if they asked me or made me aware they wanted to know the name of someone. If they gave discounts or thank you gifts I would think it was a supermarket loyalty scheme and a very funny way to behave.

4) What would make you use your solicitor again?
If I was happy with the service the first time round.

5) What is the most important quality you would look for in your conveyancing solicitor?

Communication. I want someone who speaks English to me, but can understand legalease. I probably want someone I could email - as that would be easy for me - but if I preferred to use the phone or write, a solicitor that was happy to communicate in that way and could do so promptly would be important.

Hope this helps!

G_M

ljane1988 wrote: »

As I have pointed out this is an "open forum" therefore people can ask whatever they like.:)

Not quite correct. Yes it is open, but there are guidlines and rules. See the Instructions Rules and Guide for new moneysavers here: It IS recommended that posters read this first.

"Ask a question or start a discussion

Before you do that, do check your topic hasn’t already been covered, either by scanning through the threads or using the search function (see below). "

"It's always worth checking to see if the information you are looking for is already on the site. Search the main site: On the home page www.moneysavingexpert.com you will find a search box at the top of the page. Above that is a drop-down menu. Here you can choose to search either the main site or the forum. Simply tap in one or two words that are relevant and all the articles should appear – in the main site search if you “put a phrase in speech marks” then it does an ‘exact match’ search. "

And from the Rules:

KEEPING TOPICS RELEVANT TO THE BOARD

Please only start MoneySaving discussions on the main boards. There are two boards provided for off-topic chat and discussion. The MoneySavers Arms has been set up for fun, more lighter-hearted chat (although do still remember this is a family forum – keep it clean please). Discussion Time is for discussion of current issues (read Martin’s description).

terryw

Ljane, power to your elbow for having the initiative to come here with your queries. Your replies to some posters suggest that you have the personal attributes to be successful in your chosen career. The ability to be non-confrontational is lacking in many members of the legal profession. I am delighted to assist:

1. Go for the cheapest person after searching the net who has legal validity to charge for conveyancing and has insurance in place. NOT necessarily a solicitor! Your lecturer has given you a loaded and ill-thought out question to begin, but this is no fault of yours.

2. See 1 above. Price is the main consideration. This is an MSE forum.

3. Beware of the Greeks bearing gifts. An old classical expression and not intended to be racist!

4. If the prices were still competitive.

5. Just getting on with the basic clerical task of transferring the property without unnecessary delay.

ljane1988

G_M wrote: »

Not quite correct. Yes it is open, but there are guidlines and rules.
"Ask a question or start a discussion

Before you do that, do check your topic hasn’t already been covered, either by scanning through the threads or using the search function (see below).
"It's always worth checking to see if the information you are looking for is already on the site.

Like I have said before if you do not wish to answer my questions then that is fine. There is nothing in the rules that states that I cannot ask questions and although the topic has been discussed before I wanted to pose my own questions. I do not understand why my post is bothering you so much, it is not offensive nor harming you in any way. If you do not want to read it you do not have to.

Again I am thankful for all the comments of members that have taken the time to answer my questions it is much appreciated.:j

<sebb>

OP - just so you are aware, timmyt has mentioned before that he is a conveyancing solicitor. I'm not saying that this means his comments are not valid, but in light of your question, you should be aware that someone "in the business" as it were, might have a differnt view to your average "joe on the street" when it comes to picking a solicitor to deal with buying their house.

slbhill

ljane1988 wrote: »

1) How do you go about finding a conveyancing solicitor?
2) What makes you choose a particular firm?
3) Once you have used a solicitor, what would encourage you to refer them?(for example if they gave discounts, thank you gifts ect)
4) What would make you use your solicitor again?
5) What is the most important quality you would look for in your conveyancing solicitor?

1) Find out who my estate agent recommends... then choose from the rest of the market. Only kidding (well mostly). When we were first time buyers we went with a personal recommendation. This time round we went back to the same firm because they had been good last time. We did actually get a quote from the EA's associated conveyancer but it wasn't any cheaper so we stuck with the one we knew.

2) Mainly personal recommendations. Failing that, start with the basics like answering the phone or email when I'm trying to contact them - it's amazing how many don't!

3-5) A good service! Doing what I need them to, promptly, and keeping me informed.