Why is the solicitor my estate agent referred me to more expensive?
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Dawn from Leeds
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Legal questions and answers
Question
My estate agent offered to put me on to a solicitor this morning when I accepted the offer for my house. I bought my house under the Right to Buy scheme so have no experience in selling property. I am going back to renting. The solicitor phoned me straight away and I agreed to him sending out information etc. When I have looked on-line the quotes are practically half that price the solicitor quoted. Am I missing something? Or is he trying it on? Also, if he sends out documents etc. will he charge me if I now change my mind?
Answer
Many estate agents refer work to solicitors. Where work is referred agreements are drawn up between the 2 parties and referral fees are normally paid to the estate agents from the legal fees for the instruction. The recommendations are hopefully for good service.
You are well within your right to seek alternative quotes and, if you wish, instruct a solicitor of your choice.
I would advise you to check all quotes carefully as some are not always transparent and you could end up paying more that the initial quote given. Always ask for confirmation if there are any added extras dependant on the property and transaction type.
Once you have signed the solicitor’s terms of engagement it will normally be at their discretion to charge you for work carried out if you then decide to cancel instructions, however at an early stage hopefully no time and money has been accrued on your behalf. Take care to read the small print.
reallymoving comment:
For more information about conveyancing solicitor referral fees, our article, How much does a property lawyer pay for getting my conveyancing business?, can help you.
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