1. Use a Local Solicitor
Always use a local specialist firm of solicitors who, like ourselves, have years of experience in dealing with legal matters. Never deal or trust a firm that is based miles away. Don't compromise your legal matter and deal with somebody you may never see face to face.
2. Use a Solicitor on Your Wavelength
Use a Local Specialist Solicitor who you feel comfortable with and who speaks plain English, someone you can trust to keep their promises, someone who you can see face to face and who will regularly keep in touch, return phone calls, provide a fast and efficient service, a firm whose clients return to them time and time again, someone who will go the extra mile, someone like us.
3. Don't Get Caught Out With Hidden Extras on Costs.
Make sure that you deal with a firm who provides at the outset, in writing, a clear estimate “with no hidden extras”. Some firms will initially quote you a low fee but then add extras at the end of the legal matter. Some examples of these extras are listed below.
4. Lender’s Legal Fee
If you are obtaining a mortgage to assist you with the purchase of a property, then most firms of solicitors will charge you extra for dealing with the mortgage. However, some firms do charge extra. One firm of Licensed Conveyancers charges £175 plus VAT!
5. Stamp Duty Land Transaction Return Fee
Most Solicitors will complete the Stamp Duty Land Transaction Return Form free of charge as part of the overall quote. However, some firms and Licensed Conveyancers will charge extra. We know of one firm of Licensed Conveyancers who charge £85 plus VAT for filling out the form.
6. Buildings Insurance Administration Fee
If you are arranging your own buildings insurance, independent of your mortgagee, then most firms will deal with that for you as part of their quote. However, other firms will charge. One local firm charges £85.00 plus VAT.
7. Early Completion Fee
Most firms will not charge extra, whatever the period is between exchange of contracts and completion. However, some firms do charge extra. One firm of Licensed Conveyancers charges £150 plus VAT if you want to complete a transaction less than ten working days after the date of exchange of Contracts.
8. Life Policies
If you are taking out an Endowment Mortgage, then most firms will deal with any legal work in relation to the Endowment as part of the quote. However, some firms charge extra. One local firm of Licensed Conveyancers charges £75 plus VAT for effecting the assignment or re-assignment of each life policy.
