Which conveyancer?

urban469

I'm really struggling to choose a conveyancer. Does anyone have any advice?

I read through the MSE guide, and he mentioned that the forum recommended 1stpropertylawyers.co.uk and easier2move.co.uk. I've got quotes from both of them, and they're almost identical, at around £1,350 (fees+disbursements).

I went on reallymoving.com and got four quotes. I wasn't impressed by the prices, or the service, apart from one: RVH http://www.reallymoving.com/conveyancing/directory/2034/rvh-solicitors#feedback

I spoke to her (seems to be a one-person operation) and she seemed excellent. Fees+disbursements were £1,700, though. Not much evidence of reviews on the net about her, though (except on reallymoving).

So: what are your thoughts about 1stpropertylawyers.co.uk and easier2move.co.uk?

G_M

Personally I'd rather use someone I can drop in and see to discuss questions/issues face to face.

Where I can go in easily to sign stuff without waiting for post.

Where there's a real human who I can relate to.

Mattygroves2

I think it depends a bit whether you are selling or buying or both.

Personally I'd prefer a solicitor rather than a licensed conveyancer (which is what the recommended two seem to be) particularly if I was buying. I'm more concerned that the searches and contract are being thoroughly reviewed and issues followed through than whether I'm getting text message updates or can view progress online.

As G M says you need a named individual to speak to who can help you when things need explaining.

Can any of your friends or family suggest someone they have used before locally ? You'll also need to make sure they are acceptable to your mortgage provider.

urban469

Sorry, I should've explained. Purchase only, cash buyer.

G_M wrote: »

Personally I'd rather use someone I can drop in and see to discuss questions/issues face to face.

Where I can go in easily to sign stuff without waiting for post.

Where there's a real human who I can relate to.

Agreed. But is it worth an extra £500?

Mattygroves2 wrote: »

I think it depends a bit whether you are selling or buying or both.

Personally I'd prefer a solicitor rather than a licensed conveyancer (which is what the recommended two seem to be) particularly if I was buying. I'm more concerned that the searches and contract are being thoroughly reviewed and issues followed through than whether I'm getting text message updates or can view progress online.

As G M says you need a named individual to speak to who can help you when things need explaining.

Can any of your friends or family suggest someone they have used before locally ? You'll also need to make sure they are acceptable to your mortgage provider.

Thanks for the advice. What benefit would a solicitor give me over a conveyancer?

I have asked around, but to no avail.

ACG

MSE really does have a lot to answer for.

People now buy based on price and not quality. If you pay cheap you get cheap service. Have a look through this thread, the amount of people complaining that their solicitor is giving them grief for chasing up or they were expecting to complete last friday but didnt for whatever reason.

Im with G_M i would want a local firm where if they start being a pita you can call in and give them a kick up the backside. Its the biggest purchase of your life, you dont need the added stress by using a substandard service, it can be stressful enough as it is.

McBozo

+1 definitely go local and yes its worth every penny.

G_M

urban469 wrote: »

Sorry, I should've explained. Purchase only, cash buyer.



Agreed. But is it worth an extra £500?

1) I doubt the difference is anywhere like that much. Sop around several local firms to compare. And always compare like-for-like. Many cheaper online outfits quote a low price, but either do not include everything (eg acting for the lender, completing the SDLT form) or hide 'extras' in their T&Cs.

2) It is certainly worth payig extra. How much extra it's worth oaying is subjective.

Dazedandconfused

Why would you use a solicitor over a licensed conveyancer. A friend of mine is a licensed conveyancer - she has a masters degree in law but her interest has always been property so rather than do the legal practice course which she could have done easily as she got really good grades, she went straight into property law and has qualified as a conveyancer whilst working.

She dealt with my property purchase and she isn't local to me at all. But I knew she was good. I don't think there were any issues with her not being local. She works for a different firm now than when she did mine but she works for law firms rather than these online property places which I wouldn't touch.

urban469

All excellent advice, thank you.

Dazedandconfused wrote: »

Why would you use a solicitor over a licensed conveyancer. A friend of mine is a licensed conveyancer - she has a masters degree in law but her interest has always been property so rather than do the legal practice course which she could have done easily as she got really good grades, she went straight into property law and has qualified as a conveyancer whilst working.

This one (my most expensive quote) seems to be a solicitor, so that's good. http://www.rvhsolicitors.com/

G_M wrote: »

1) I doubt the difference is anywhere like that much. Sop around several local firms to compare. And always compare like-for-like. Many cheaper online outfits quote a low price, but either do not include everything (eg acting for the lender, completing the SDLT form) or hide 'extras' in their T&Cs.

Yes, I agree. And that's exactly what I've done, I've checked that they all include:
Legal fees
VAT
Land Register fee
Land Register search
Searches: local, water, drainage, environmental, chancery
ID check
Bank charge
Leasehold fee

The exact totals are:
1st Property Lawyers £1,359
Easier2Move £1,308
RVH £1,720

chesneyoctopus

I think that for the relatively small difference in price, you would be better off with RVH. You are far more likely to receive a professional and personal service, and from a person who is qualified.


I suspect that by using the other two firms mentioned, you will be dealing with a call centre, and placing your purchase in the hands of an unqualified "conveyancer" or "case handler", with very basic training in conveyancing. . In whom would you rather put your trust? It is your money that you are risking.

D00gie72

Just to add to previous comments really. I'd go for a good local firm you can pop in to every time. Even if it is a bit extra. I would imagine that the cheaper on-line firms would do a good enough job with a straight forward house sale / purchase. The trouble is you don't know if yours is going to be straightforward until after it's happened. I didn't have any friends who had moved recently so I rang a few local firms - asked a few questions and I picked the firm who were the most friendly sounding on the phone and went with my gut feeling. Not exactly a scientific choice but it's turned out to be the best choice I've made so far!