using an online solicitor??

G_M

bemusedman wrote: »

Not quite sure how timmyt can get away with saying they've got one of the worst reputations??? Where's your evidence for that sweeping generalisation?

He's quite obviously got some sort of beef with online conveyancers (I'm guessing he had a bad experience with one, once...or maybe he's just p****d off that most of them are much better at conveyancing than his antiquated "solicitors firm" - after all, he suggested in one of his posts that he'd charge clients extra if they phoned for updates on their case too much or put their case to the bottom of the pile if they nagged him!) so all he does is sit on here all day slagging them off.

And before you start, no I don't work for them. Just fed up with people coming on here seeking a bit of advice only to be patronised by a miserable old git who's bitter at losing business to more successful companies.

TimmyT is, or claims to be, a solicitor - and being of the 'local' variety, is biased.

We get posters on here who've used small local solicitors and had problems. Others who've had great experiences.
The same is true of posters who've gone for an online service.

Online quotes tend to be cheaper, but often - NOT always - have hidden extra costs (dealing with mortgage lender, professional insurance etc) so it always important to understand the quotes in detail and compare like-for-like. (some 'local' solicitors also have these add-on costs!).

As for convenience, there is much to be said for being able to pop in and discuss issues/ hand in documents/ get an update, but this is not essential so is a matter of preference.

As for quality, some solicitors are newly qualified and not very experienced. Some (non-solicitor) conveyancers have been doing it for years and know all the issues.

Recomendation is the key, NOT making generalisations about firms of a particular size or geographical coverage.

timmyt

G_M wrote: »

TimmyT is, or claims to be, a solicitor - and being of the 'local' variety, is biased.

We get posters on here who've used small local solicitors and had problems. Others who've had great experiences.
The same is true of posters who've gone for an online service.

Online quotes tend to be cheaper, but often - NOT always - have hidden extra costs (dealing with mortgage lender, professional insurance etc) so it always important to understand the quotes in detail and compare like-for-like. (some 'local' solicitors also have these add-on costs!).

As for convenience, there is much to be said for being able to pop in and discuss issues/ hand in documents/ get an update, but this is not essential so is a matter of preference.

As for quality, some solicitors are newly qualified and not very experienced. Some (non-solicitor) conveyancers have been doing it for years and know all the issues.

Recomendation is the key, NOT making generalisations about firms of a particular size or geographical coverage.

It is about generalisations, as they present warnings on what to look for.

Nationals have a reputation, and use them at your peril.....

palu

Does anybody know where to complain about conveyancing warehouse (roberts solicitors).
My case has been with them for ages and doesn't seem to moving forward. Assigned solicitor is just plain useless who makes promises but never delivers.

timmyt

danielwhitehouse wrote: »

In fact there's web sites that you can find that give you free quotes for local solicitors. So web and local combined? Pretty cool huh?

avoid any price comparison site when a 'service' is being sold.

fine for a product like a dvd, but the quality of delivery of a 'service' varies too dramatically between conveyancvers.

if all they shout is cheap price, you know you are in trouble. speak to ones recommeneded by friends, colleagues and local INDEPENDENT estate agents (not national ones) and you won't go wrong.

Flat_Eric

I think a local solicitor is the best choice (1) because they are on your doorstep so any important papers (original ID) can be passed in / anything that needs to be signed that has been drawn up by your solicitor can be collected and returned sameday - i.e. you are not relying on the post thus causing delays (particularly at this time of year with xmas and the snow) and you can sit opposite your solicitor and have stuff explained to you. Buying a house is not like buying a kettle off amazon. its probably the biggest financial commitment you will ever make.

I agree with other posters that on-line solicitors may appear cheap but often extras are added :mad:

Guilbert

I used PPL for a recent purchase and all went well. They came in slightly under their original quote, kept me well informed, were available when I called and having seen the correspondence between PPL and the vendor's local solicitor, PPL were certainly on top of things and chased the vendor's solicitor when necessary.

I guess level of service greatly depends on the individual who handles your case, but in my personal experience PPL did a good job and I would recommend them.

timmyt

Guilbert wrote: »

I used PPL for a recent purchase and all went well. They came in slightly under their original quote, kept me well informed, were available when I called and having seen the correspondence between PPL and the vendor's local solicitor, PPL were certainly on top of things and chased the vendor's solicitor when necessary.

I guess level of service greatly depends on the individual who handles your case, but in my personal experience PPL did a good job and I would recommend them.

i am a conveyancing solicitor, of rapidly apporaching 20 years expereince. I see all sorts of lawyers and they and a few others have the worst rep.

But give them a go, they wont be any cheaper and you won't get a solicitor (or anyone with any decent expereince in making sure they have covered all the legal angles on such an important deal for you, but heck ...er sorry why go with them again?

actually, if it involves the law, use a SOLICITOR....or you will be posting on MSE

pete1717

bemusedman wrote: »

Not quite sure how timmyt can get away with saying they've got one of the worst reputations??? Where's your evidence for that sweeping generalisation?

He's quite obviously got some sort of beef with online conveyancers (I'm guessing he had a bad experience with one, once...or maybe he's just p****d off that most of them are much better at conveyancing than his antiquated "solicitors firm" - after all, he suggested in one of his posts that he'd charge clients extra if they phoned for updates on their case too much or put their case to the bottom of the pile if they nagged him!) so all he does is sit on here all day slagging them off.

And before you start, no I don't work for them. Just fed up with people coming on here seeking a bit of advice only to be patronised by a miserable old git who's bitter at losing business to more successful companies.

I couldn't agree more.

I have read a lot of his posts on here - I deal in conveyancing only and I can honestly say that I only find time to come onto this site every now and then - if I was posting as often as timmyt then I don't know when the work would get done.

I would seriously advise all posters to take what timmyt says with a huge pinch of salt - I have seen the odd typing error here and there in solicitors' letters but nothing to match timmyt's errors - if I received a letter with some of the errors I have seen from timmyt I would immediately think how unprofessional this looked and would have serious doubts about his capabilities

If he was a successful solicitor he wouldn't need to come on here to have a go at "online firms" " non solicitors" Tom, !!!!!!, Harry and the cleaner etc. etc.

It seems timmyt's main problem is that he has far too much time on his hands ....... obviously not a very busy person.

No doubt he will waste more time at his "office" tomorrow sending some badly spelt sarcastic remark to this !

savanajhones

One can make an healthy response with online solicitor but in some cases, they are even fake. It is better to get connected with them through Linked In. This what my experience says.

Yorkie1

I'm sorry savanajhones but I cannot understand your post whatsoever.