what things to check for on solicitor work!

xyz123

We had an offer accepted on a semi-detached, freehold house and have apponited a solicitor.

Question is as this is our first house buying experience, what shall i look out for on solicitor's work? how do i make sure he is doing his work well and in my best interest. i have no particular reason to doubt that he wont, but just want to be sure. do i have to read every single line in the contract and make sure it is correct or are there standard contracts for conveyncing!

any other tips are more than welcome and will be much appreciated!

anselld

Get a recommendation.
Don't use the same one as the vendors.
Don't use one recommended by the vendors agents.
Otherwise, just take an interest and let them do what you are paying them for, ie protecting your interests.

G_M

Get yourself a book that explains the house buying process so you can follow what is going on. eg this. (picked at random!)

Libraries are free!

Watch out for hidden extras on the solicitors bill eg look here.

jimpix12

I got 3 recommendations from my Mortgage Advisor, took their details, Googled them and then went for the one with the best reviews.

Millie_Millsters

xyz123 wrote: »

do i have to read every single line in the contract and make sure it is correct

Yes, absolutely!! Sign nothing unless you understand it all, if in doubt ask your solicitor to explain.

sonastin

There are standard contract conditions for property purchases. The document you will get to sign will merely make reference to which of these standard conditions are included and which do not form part of your contract, so you won't get absolutely every line to read and nor should you really. If you don't have experience of property law there is every chance that something you read will panic you or confuse you.

What you need to do is
a) follow G_M's advice and make sure you understand what you're getting into.
b) read EVERYTHING that the solicitor gives you. Even if he just waves a piece of paper at you in his office, take the time to read it and don't feel rushed. You can usually spot a solicitor in a shop - they are the person reading the terms&conditions on the credit agreement when they take out a storecard at the till! - so he should understand and give you the time to read it all.
c) ask about anything and everything that you don't understand. Don't make assumptions, get the solicitor to expalin it all clearly so that you are sure of what he is telling you. If you can, take notes.
d) keep hold of all your notes and all the paperwork. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself an incompetent solicitor (and there aren't many around so it would be really unfortunate), keeping the paper trail will help you in a claim against him. If you are unlucky enough to get yourself a lazy solicitor (and there are more of them than the incompetent ones) the fact that you are showing an interest, asking questions and taking notes should be the kick-up-the-backside that he needs to make sure he gives your file the attention it actually deserves.

Yorkie1

sonastin wrote: »

You can usually spot a solicitor in a shop - they are the person reading the terms&conditions on the credit agreement when they take out a storecard at the till! - so he should understand and give you the time to read it all.

So true :rotfl:

Texas_Renters

As a good solicitor

• [FONT=&quot]He should treat you fairly[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must provide you with all the information you need so you can decide about the services you need[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must tell you how your problem will be handled and the options available to you[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must tell you about your right to complain and how to make a complaint[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must give you information about costs.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]According to me if he does the above mentioned points then he is an honest solicitor just don’t be afraid in asking questions to him. [/FONT]

Yorkie1

Texas_Renters wrote: »

As a good solicitor

• [FONT=&quot]He should treat you fairly[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must provide you with all the information you need so you can decide about the services you need[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must tell you how your problem will be handled and the options available to you[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must tell you about your right to complain and how to make a complaint[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must give you information about costs.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]According to me if he does the above mentioned points then he is an honest solicitor just don’t be afraid in asking questions to him. [/FONT]

That looks like a copy and paste from guidance to the solicitors code of conduct.

None of it indicates whether the solicitor will be any good at conveyancing.

jtk174

Texas_Renters wrote: »

As a good solicitor

• [FONT=&quot]He should treat you fairly[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must provide you with all the information you need so you can decide about the services you need[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must tell you how your problem will be handled and the options available to you[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must tell you about your right to complain and how to make a complaint[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]He must give you information about costs.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]According to me if he does the above mentioned points then he is an honest solicitor just don’t be afraid in asking questions to him. [/FONT]

Apart from going elsewhere, if your solicitor does none of these things, what course of action would be available?

roger196

Check if the firms practicing certificate is up to date. Check if the firms public liability insurance is up to date....should be displayed in reception where it can be visible.
I have checked hotels marriage licences ( getting bored waiting to check out) which again have to be on public view....a number were out of date!
Do a google search on the firm for any publicity in the local press, good or bad.