Solicitors

ladymarmalade222

We are currently selling through one estate agent and buying through a different.

We are being "offered" their conveyancing from both agents, obviously there is a nice commission or there would not be such a hard sell:D

Any thoughts on who to choose, do I go through one of the agents or choose a totally independent one. I am wanting a smooth sale if possible like everyone and I don't know what to do.

Please help:o

Surrey_EA

I would never use a conveyancer/solicitor that was part of the same organisation as the EA. Find a good independent solicitor that specialises in property conveyancing.

Start by having a look here: http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/

ladymarmalade222

Thanks for replying, is there a reason for not using one of their recommended solicitors? I am very new to all this and have not moved home for 20 years so just getting to grips with everything.

Many thanks

xx

G_M

Find your own solitors.

Get 3 quotes and compare carefully, especially any internet quotes: watch for 'extras' hidden in Terms of Buiness. (http://www.theadvisory.co.uk/conveyancing-quote.php)

My recommendation is to walk down your High street, go into 3 firms and ask to see a solicitor for a quote. You can tell a lot by
* whether you are palmed off with a receptionist/assistant
* whether the solcior you see explains the quote carefuly and seems approachable

Surrey_EA

G_M wrote: »

My recommendation is to walk down your High street, go into 3 firms and ask to see a solicitor for a quote. You can tell a lot by
* whether you are palmed off with a receptionist/assistant
* whether the solcior you see explains the quote carefuly and seems approachable

Although, it is worth bearing in mind that a very good local solicitor will likely be very busy with existing cases, and will not always be available to meet with a prospective new client who arrives at their offices without an appointment.

lewishardwick

I'd go with a reputable local solicitor.

E.G.

I'm in the middle of a purchase of a leasehold flat. The vendor has agreed to include the 'over payment' of the service charge (£350) in the sale.

Their online conveyancer wants to charge £180+VAT to hold it in Escrow. My solicitor will provide the same service free of charge as they include it in the quote for a leasehold purchase.

I noticed that the online companies charge you for every little thing.

davidmcn

ladymarmalade222 wrote: »

is there a reason for not using one of their recommended solicitors?

Because it's likely that your fees will be inflated to cover the kickback the EA gets for the "recommendation".

LucyH1986

I would definitely shop around for solicitor quotes, when I looked the quotes varied quite a lot. I also looked at reviews online and asked family and friends.

TBagpuss

Shop around.
DOn't just call into a solicitor's office without an appointment and expect to be seen immediately - if you are seen by a secretary they are not 'palming you off' they'll be there to take your information so that the solicitor or conveyancer can contact you to provide a full quote, if that person is not available because they are dealing with exisiting clients.

Also, do distinguish between a solicitor who is linked with the agents (where there may well have been a referral fee paid) and one recommended by them (who may be being recommended because they are good at what they do)

Ask local friends for recommendations.

Or phone local solicitors and see how long they take to respond and hw much information they provide.

ThemeOne

I've found solicitors can be one of the main causes of delays in conveyancing. I've used solicitors recommended by the agent twice, and other times have shopped around. The recommended ones were fastest, though it could be coincidence.

Ithaca

We found it a big help to have a local solicitor. It meant I could pop out at lunchtime and collect documents, get them filled out in the evening, and drop them off the next day (rather than waiting for the post). It can help keep things moving, and calling in person now and again helps keep you in their attention, and could help keep your file near the top of the pile (it was amazing how after a few days of silence whenever I called by they were just at that very minute addressing the points I'd raised...).