Conveyancing - online or local??

[MBradbury]

I'm about to move into an older house (1790's) and am looking at a solicitor to do their bits. Am I better off going with one of the online companies that specialise with this sort of thing or to a local solicitor who may not be the quickest??

Have any of you had any experiences in this? I know that I'll have to be on their case to move things along, but is it worth paying the extra for local?

Mark

[siwil1]

Go for a local company pref one that you have recommended to you by a previous client. A decent solicitor in a property transaction is worth his/her weight in gold. The property is old is it listed?

Either way I would always use a local solicitor rether than an internet service for a purchase. Remortgaging is a different story.

Simon

[minimax]

In my experience, local, local, local, local!

go on recommendation from trusted friends, do not under any circumstances go with the cheapest quote - that will lead to severe ballache

[MBradbury]

Thanks all, my thoughts were to proceed with local solicitor but it's always best to test the waters with PH knowledge base.

I've called a few for quotes and the local ones are that much more than online. As I said the property is old, though not listed and I want someone who'll be thorough and do a proper job.

[ledger]

I went with a recommended local guy. Part of the transaction was without an estate agent and it was well worth paying the extra.

[rude-boy]

If i wasn't so up to my eyes in doing my client's bidding atm I'd be able to tell you many reasons why you are far better dealing with a solicitor, and why usually a local one is a good idea.

And don't believe the hype about cost or speed. The last 3 transactions i've had a sweat shop on the other side i ended up doing most of their job for them they were that slow and their grasp of the legal issues was questionable.

[jimothy]

I've tried both, and personally I'd stick to local every time.

My experience of online property conveyencing is its about as useful as an indian call centre...

[rude-boy]

MBradbury said:

I've called a few for quotes and the local ones are NOTthat much more than online.

Think you missed a word out here

Always look at the extras that on-line lot add, £75 here, £25 there, etc for things that should be included like dealing with mortgages, ID and the SDLT form.

[MBradbury]

rude-boy said:

MBradbury said: I've called a few for quotes and the local ones are NOTthat much more than online. Think you missed a word out here

You are indeed correct. I've got them to detail all the items I'll need to pay for so am doing comparisons on a like for like basis.

[vetteheadracer]

I used an online conveyancing company and had good and bad experiences. 1 good buying, 1 good selling, 1 bad buying depends on the office you are dealing with. The 2 good experiences were with the office in Woking the bad one with the office in Bridgend, if you want details PM me!

[pdV6]

IMO a little bit of local knowledge goes a long way.

[Balmoral Green]

Arent you allowed to do it yourself anymore? I did mine in 1985 and again in 1996.

[Muncher]

Balmoral Green said:

Arent you allowed to do it yourself anymore? I did mine in 1985 and again in 1996.

Yes, but who do you sue if you balls it up?