Conveyancing questions

SomeoneFromReigate

Hi

I'm looking to buy a house and obviously l'll need some conveyancing done. 

I have a few of questions;

Solicitors or specialist conveyancing firm? Does it matter

Does it matter where if they are local or not?

Are there any pitfalls to look out for?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Flat_Eric

Hi. If it's a local firm then you can call in to return paperwork or get in person help if there's something you want clarifying.

chalky_white_2

Get a few quotes from local and national firms, though any firm operating conveyancing services in England and Wales can assist. Personally, I think it is beneficial if you can speak with the person who, if instructed, would be assisting you with the matter. You can judge how well you think you may get on with them.

I also try to go local where possible, for anything. The companies you employ have more 'skin in the game' as bad reviews affect their local customer base. National firms tend to rely on referrals for work, and rely less on reviews.

But each to their own, there are trade offs either way.

Yorkie1

Specialist conveyancing firms may operate more of a conveyor belt approach, which is OK until / unless you encounter something out of the ordinary. (Generalisation acknowledged).

dinosaur66

last 5 i have bought i used 3 local solicitors in town i live - all very very slow / all wanted for me to go with the add on extras that were not needed when buyer knows the area and is experienced

used a conveyencing specialist firm with lots of staff in a town near me for another property out of town in an retail park - not sure if i saw anyone under 30 in there /  maybe it was just the girls that i dealt with who were very inexperienced or had just started but it was a pulling teeth experience

used a small franchise solictor/specialist conveyencer to buy a house 450 miles away  called j & s campbell all done online / every 2 days texted me

video meetings / phone calls every other day / i sent paperwork by post / never once met in person / 28 days later approx from offer to keys and for £900 all in

babyblade41

Local estate agent every time, conveyance factories on the whole pretty useless especially for a unique property /Get recommendations on your local FB group to find the best in your area

PJBRFC

I am currently assisting my mum with a sale. We are using a local solicitor who has good knowledge of houses in our city. Buyer is using a very well known conveyor belt conveyancing firm. Our solicitor has really struggled with them and they seem to have very little understanding of some relatively simple property law. I would use a proper solicitor every time, it's always worth the extra money.