There is a question that has been asked time and time again, as the majority of consumers now rely on the internet for information. Should I use an online conveyancing company or a traditional solicitor? For those just getting started with buying their first home, this can quickly become a confusing topic. The decision to go with a traditional solicitor is not a bad one at all, but there are a number of advantages that come with using an online conveyancing company.
In this article we will break down some of the pros and cons of both services to make your decision a little easier. Let’s start with looking at the traditional method first.
Traditional Conveyancing Services: The Pros
One of the biggest benefits of choosing a traditional solicitor is that you have the peace of mind knowing you are receiving legal advice from an accredited expert. Any solicitor working in a high street branch should have been subject to extensive training to ensure they are up to speed with the latest legal policies.
Another significant advantage is that you are able to go into a local face-to-face branch and meet your solicitor. This will give you some assurance that you can ask questions or request help when needed, without having to rely on service over the phone or online. Many solicitors also offer free consultations so you have an opportunity check them out first before spending any money on their services.
Another advantage of choosing a traditional route is the fact that solicitors usually charge by the hour for their services. The time it takes for one of these conveyancers to complete your purchase will vary depending on how complex it is and how many properties they need to deal with in a given day. For simple cases of conveyancing that are quick to complete, you may find yourself paying a lot less in conveyancing charges.
Traditional Conveyancing Services: The Cons
The main drawback to using a traditional solicitor is their price tag! Their services are generally more expensive than an online service, which could cost you thousands in extra fees if you’re not careful. You also rely heavily on them when it comes to actually setting up your home purchase and having everything in order. If they fail at any point during this process then there is nothing you can do except sit back and watch your dream home slip out of your hands.
The time it takes for a solicitor to complete an online file is also another disadvantage, as they often take between 10 and 15 working days (and even longer in some cases) before your purchase is ready to go ahead with. This amount of time extends the transaction and can even lead to a higher risk of losing the property if the conveyancing process faces too many delays.
Online Conveyancing Services: The Pros
The biggest advantage of using an online conveyancing company is the fact that you can do everything on your own time and usually with a lot less stress. Online services are typically 24/7, meaning there will always be someone available to answer your questions whenever you have them, no matter what time of day.
An online service will also complete your conveyancing for a fraction of the cost that a traditional solicitor would charge. Your fees are usually based on a percentage of the purchase price at the end of the transaction, so there is no need to worry about any additional costs adding up like they do with a traditional solicitor.
Online Conveyancing also benefits from being far more efficient than its high street counterpart. Traditional conveyancing will take several weeks to complete. Alternatively, online services are much more efficient in gathering information, processing data and completing the transaction.
Online Conveyancing Services: The Cons
The major drawback to using an online service is that you can’t always be sure who or what you are dealing with. As they do not have a physical office, solicitors work from remotely which means the standard of service varies for certain providers.
Another potential problem for buyers when choosing an online conveyancer is that if something goes wrong, there is no one readily available who can step in to help you out. The level of service offered by legal professionals operating exclusively online can also vary greatly depending on how reputable each individual company is in the industry at any given time.
Where Can I Find Reputable Online Conveyancing Solicitors?
To only ever experience the advantages of online conveyancing solicitors, the cons can be remedied by choosing an online solicitor that is professional and reputable in their field. This means working with a solicitor who are dedicated to providing a service that is prompt, reliable and a good standard of quality.
