Reasons to use a local solicitor

1. Often the old saying ‘You get what you pay for” does apply.

Online Conveyancers will often offer what may initially appear to be cheaper fees for their services. They can usually do this because they typically use inexperienced and unqualified staff to deal with most of the work, expect their staff to deal with a very large caseload and will only provide a non-personalised service. When obtaining a quote from such companies you need to be aware that you may end up paying substantially more as additional fees are often added later on having been hidden within the pages of finely printed T&Cs!

Local solicitors on the other hand will give you a comprehensive fee quote at the outset and unless a significant issue arises, will often stick to it even if the matter takes longer than anticipated. You can then budget the cost of your move with far more confidence. At QualitySolicitors Large & Gibson on the rare occasion we need to increase our clients costs we will always explain to our clients the reason for any cost increase before that extra cost is actually incurred – all professional, regulated, solicitors firms are obliged to do this.

2. Experience is key.

As mentioned above, online firms can often offer apparently cheaper fees because they use unqualified and inexperienced staff. Our experience is that often online conveyancing firms employ one qualified lawyer to oversee 5-10 unqualified caseworkers who will each have a caseload of often over 75+ properties. Needless to say this can result in a poor client experience and lack of support in what is often a stressful period. At QualitySolicitors Large & Gibson your Conveyancing will always be dealt with by a qualified and experienced Solicitor, Legal Executive or Licenced Conveyancer with not only significant legal and technical knowledge but also valuable local knowledge. Your lawyer will usually be assisted by only one or two assistants meaning you will become familiar with the small team dealing with your transaction and not have to speak to a different person each time you call.

Many people assume that the Conveyancing process is straightforward. Sometimes that may be the case but often difficulties can arise and that is when having an experienced lawyer on your side can really count.

3. A personalised service to suit your needs.

For many people, especially first time buyers, the business of buying a house can be bewildering. Whilst with all conveyancing lawyers you can phone or email them, quite often, particularly on complex matters it is far easier for you to make an appointment to attend the office to go through any queries you may have face-to-face – sometimes we find this can actually be quicker in comparison to having to go back and forth over a chain of emails. At QualitySolicitors Large & Gibson our clients are always welcome to make an appointment to see their lawyer in person should they wish to do so and by prior arrangement we can often accommodate early morning or early evening appointments.

It is important that you feel confident when selling or buying property and your local solicitor is there to ensure that any questions or concerns you might have can be easily raised and dealt with to provide the reassurance and peace of mind clients need.

4. Location, location, location.

Using a local lawyer and having the benefit of being able to get to your law firm within a short walk or drive can be invaluable. With the ever increasing, stringent Anti-Money Laundering regulations, being able to attend your solicitor’s office can make proving your identity a far easier and quicker process. During the course of most property transactions you will be required to sign and return a hardcopy Contract and Transfer Deed to your lawyer and being able to ‘pop in’ to your local law firm to do this by hand is far better than having to rely upon the postal service.

5. Providing a complete, joined-up service.

Online Conveyancing companies will often deal only with residential property matters. We often find during the course of a property transaction that clients require additional advice beyond that of residential property, for example a Cohabitation Agreement, Declaration of Trust, Estate planning advice or a Will. At QualitySolicitors Large & Gibson we have lawyers providing services in a wide variety of law.

Daniel Deathers is an experienced residential conveyancing solicitor at QualitySolicitors Large & Gibson a law firm that has been established in Southsea for over 120 years. Daniel can be contacted on 02392 296296 or daniel.deathers@largeandgibson.co.uk