How to find a solicitor

G_M

always_sunny wrote: »

Do solicitors (from both end) ever exchange or pass documents face to face? I thought it was always done remotely between them. Even the problem on the thread you posted has nothing to do with geolocation.

I found (when used my solicitor) that even reviews are not tangible evidence as how you suggest, every sale is different so until the show is on, it's all of a mystery.
I would go to https://www.moneysupermarket.com/conveyancing/ get quotes and take it from there.

If so, the first question for the OP should be, how much do they value physical contact?

???????///

Did I at any point mention passing documents face to face? Though now you mention it, this can be a bonus.

My own recent sale involved a last minute Deed of Assent being drawn up and needing 4 signatures. By collecting it personally rather than using post, getting the signatures, and hand-delivering it back I significantly speeded up the process (at a point where the buyers were pressing to Exchange).

The problem on the thread clearly demonstrates mis-communication. It's not relevant who was failing to understand who, but if the OP was able to pop in and have a chat, he might not have needed to post here and might have saved himself a lot of stress (and maybe time).

Again, in my recent sale, I needed to understand the advantages of the Deed, & the disadvantegs/risks etc. I found it hugely beneficial to sit at a table with the solicitor and talk it through. This did not add to the cost but certainly added value!

As I said, in many cases, none of this may matter, but when you start the process and choose you conveyancer you do not know what the future will bring.

I also question the assumption that using a high street solicitor will cost you more. I got 4 quotes. The highest, a large firm, was indeed expensive. The one I chose (a 3 man partnership) was comparable with many online quotes.

And many online quotes fail to include all the 'extras' that may appear on the final bill, so you have to be extra vigilant.

Since conveyancing has become very competitive, many high street firms have dropped their fees.

Now - don't get me started on the comparison between what I paid my solicitor and what the estate agent walked off with, for doing almost naff-all!

kinger101

G_M wrote: »

???????///
Now - don't get me started on the comparison between what I paid my solicitor and what the estate agent walked off with, for doing almost naff-all!

:rotfl:

C'mon. It takes years to training to come up with suggestions like putting a nice fruit bowl out before the photographer visits.

G_M

kinger101 wrote: »

:rotfl:

C'mon. It takes years to training to come up with suggestions like putting a nice fruit bowl out before the photographer visits.

just shows how naff the training is - you need to also put FRUIT in it.....

Hedgehog99

I asked friends and also had experience of one office, but not for house transactions.

I emailed asking for a quote, telling them prices, mortgage info, lease-/freehold.

I judged them on the speed/completeness of reply and how well they answered my email.

I have found it useful to be nearby so I can drop in documents I don't trust in the post - things that would be really awkward to replace if they went missing and things I want to be sure have reached them safely.

I chose the slightly more expensive one because I felt more confident in them and there will be someone familiar with my case there every day (one drawback of the other one was their being part-time).

There was no way in a million years I would have used one recommended by the EA. There are things you discuss with your solicitor that are none of the EA's business.

hazyjo

I much prefer to use one nearby so I can put correspondence through the door myself, and for popping in when necessary. As I mentioned today on another post, I used a local one once, but they had to use another for the financials as mine wasn't on my lender's approved list. It meant a manic dash to SE London from East London one night before I could exchange.


I prefer email generally, and always use a solicitor who'll use email - but always ring round for quotes as you do get a feel for their attitude and competence. If nobody rings me back (as they often have to do), they're off the list.


Jx