If you’re on the move, you will require a conveyancing solicitor as part of the home-buying process. You may want to look at fees or even recommendations from family and friends who have had previous experience of buying and selling. It’s always good practice to check the conveyancer’s credentials before signing up, and never take an estate agent’s recommendation. Do your own groundwork and prepare well in advance to ensure the conveyancing isn’t left until the last minute.
Don’t Always Choose Your Estate Agent’s Recommendation
When the house sale has been agreed, the estate agent may often recommend a conveyancing solicitor. By all means, do take their details, but shop around for the conveyancing quote, as your agent might just be making the recommendation as they may receive a fee in return.
Choose Quality and Recommendations Rather Than Cost
Cost should not be the main deciding factor in choosing a conveyancer. If you are contacting conveyancing solicitors, get full transparent quotations, but do look at advice and review sites such as Trustpilot and others where you will be able to read honest opinions from other homebuyers.
Seek a Responsible and Communicative Conveyancer
Following your initial email requesting a quotation, look at how quickly a conveyancer responds. This will show you how keen they are to secure your business. However, if the solicitor is slow to respond, or you had to follow up by telephone, this is a potential red flag, as a quotation should be instant. Also consider what way you want to communicate. Do you prefer to email, call or converse by letter? For a conveyancing quote from a firm best suited to your purchase, you can contact a range of companies. Sam Conveyancing provide conveyancing quotes and they will be happy to talk to you.
Consider What’s Included in the Cost
Look at whether or not the fee is a fixed fee and request a breakdown of the figures. The quote will outline searches and Land Registry charges, and this will help you to obtain a more accurate picture of the cost. You don’t want any nasty surprises at the end of the process.
Check the Conveyancer’s Regulatory Status
Check that your choice of company is regulated. This means that if there is a mishap in the process, you are protected. The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) lists regulated conveyancers on its website.