Finding the best conveyancing solicitors in Essex can be challenging. Here are a few things to consider before making your choice.
Trying to find conveyancing solicitors in Essex can be a struggle. On the one hand you’ll want to save as much money as possible, but on the other you need to make sure you get the best service possible. Here are a few things to consider.
Agent recommendations
Estate agents will often recommend a conveyancing solicitor for you. However, this will often be because they have a financial arrangement in place with that firm which sees them receive commission every time they refer a customer. Agencies face a number of financial pressures, and they often see this as a good way for them to generate additional income.
It can be presented as a quick and easy way to make contact with conveyancing solicitors in this area, or further afield, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best for your needs.
Check the fees
Like all service providers, conveyancing solicitors will charge different rates. Some may also require you to pay a deposit – often 10% of the final fee – before they start work. With finances tight, and likely to get tighter thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, there is a natural temptation to go with the cheapest option. However, that might come at the expense of the quality of service and lead to other costs further down the line.
Some will charge a fixed fee while others will charge a percentage of the sale. Understanding their fee structure, and when they will expect to be paid, will help avoid any unpleasant surprises further down the line.
Check credentials
It’s a good idea to do some work looking into their credentials. Ideally, you’d want a firm with plenty of experienced solicitors who have an excellent track record of working with clients. You can try looking into their background to get an idea of whether previous customers have been happy with their service. A good way to do this is by searching for mentions of the firm on social media.
Most companies will be able to provide case studies, but the real truth comes from things they can’t control. If someone has used them in the past, there’s a good chance they will talk about their experiences on social media. Reading these comments will give you a sense of what working with them can be like.
Personal recommendations can also be useful. If friends have sold houses before, they may be able to recommend a good solicitor – or warn you away from one.
Local knowledge can be vital
Conveyancing solicitors will often provide services to people all over the country. It may seem a good idea to go with someone based away from your local area in the hope of getting better rates. However, there is a particular value you get from conveyancing solicitors which others can’t match. They will understand the nature of the local market in a way that someone based further afield simply can’t match. Their local knowledge and connections can be crucial in helping you get the best deal possible.