Choosing a conveyancer

LB_000

Me and my boyfriend (FTBs) have just had an offer accepted on a house - I'm currently looking for a conveyancer/solicitor but struggling to know which one to pick as they are all quoting similar prices. I have a few queries: 

- I keep reading advice online that it's better to go with someone local, but is this still the case when the coronavirus situation means offices may not be open now or be open in a limited capacity? I suspect a lot of the paperwork will be done online now.

- Also, in relation to the above, how local is local? 

- I know to be wary of the one the estate agent has recommended, but the amount they quoted seems to be in line with other quotes I've had. Has anyone had a good experience with the conveyancer/solicitor an EA recommended?

- Another piece of advice I keep seeing is to ask friends and family, however we both live in a different part of the country to our families and we don't have too many friends locally who have bought houses. We are based in the East Midlands - does anyone have recommendations for firms in this area?

Any comments on any of the above questions (or any tips at all) would be appreciated!

Scotbot

1.Check whether they are a solicitor who specialises in conveyancing or a conveyancer, solicitors are better qualified. That said I used a conveyancer who worked for a local solicitor,  she had loads of experience and was very good but what you want to avoid are the cheap conveyancing shops that can't  cope with any problems if they arise. Look on line for reviews.
2. If it is a leasehold or a newbuild or both look for someone with experience in these types of transactions. Ask them how many of these sales they have done in the last year.
3. Being local has 2 advantages,  the biggest is that they know the  local authorities, who to speak to if necessary  and any development issues in the area. HS2 is planned to go nearby where I live and the conveyancer was aware of areas affected. The second advantage is being able to drop in and sign things, provide ID documents etc but I agree post covid this probably isn't the advantage it used to be. I  would go local for the first reason so look for someone in the same town or nearby town 

MovingForwards

What you don't want is a conveyor belt firm, they are piled higher than solicitors / conveyancing firms and it's "take a number I will be with you when I've dealt with this lot" you don't need the extra stress!

A lot of local firms are working online at the moment, but if you need to get a document back to them you can put it through the door and their admin team will get it scanned on and filed before you even get home. 

Ask workmates for recommendations, if someone has moved within the last year or so. 

You have quotes, have you read online reviews across various platforms? Remember, most people only leave reviews when unhappy.

LB_000

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely go local then

hazyjo

They will also need to be on your lender's panel, so check that too.

FtbDreaming

I went with one recommended by my broker. The brokers fantastic but the Conveyencer not so good. I wish id done my research and got my own. I would have either gone local so i could go in and case them or got one with a portal so i can see whats being done when. Mine that i have seems to work in the dark ages via post and email only and wont even pick up a phone to the sellers solicitor