Can I change my conveyancers?

[maybemyrtle]

I'm a clueless FTB, have found a lovely house, offer accepted, mortgage application in process etc.

I've instructed an online conveyancers that were recommended and offered a fab price. The estate agent has sent the details of sale to both solicitors but as far as I know nothing further has been done yet. I instructed them via the website and haven't paid anything yet.

Hadn't heard from them at all since instructing 10 days ago - but had a letter pushed through the door yesterday that had been opened and taped closed, from the conveyancers. Not sure how it reached me because the address is wrong, it's for 2 buildings down. They're all flats on my road and I think the conveyancers just put in Flat x and my post code and clicked the first address that came up. They definitely had my correct address as I supplied it when I instructed on the website. Every reference to my address in the paperwork is wrong.

So, confidence lost completely, can I change to another conveyancer? Will I have to pay the original ones anything? If they got something as basic as my address wrong then I don't think I trust them with anything else...

TBH, I wouldn't change over a simple admin error like that. It was probably done by someone other than the person doing the actual conveyancing anyway.

If you want to change, expect to be charged for the work already carried out - have a look at the terms you signed up to to see what this should be.

Hmm thanks, this is the very first contact I've had from them so they really haven't inspired confidence! I'll go through the paperwork and see what that says - I've not actually signed up to anything yet I don't think.

maybe one thing I have learnt is that a good conveyancer is worth every penny. House buying is a stressful process and I would do anything to avoid any issues and conveyancers hold a lot of power in your process.

If you can change, do it! And find a local solicitor recommended by someone who has used them, not recommended by an EA or and IFA (they will be on commission!)

I found mine on MN so you could ask on here!

There is a lot to be said for having a local solicitor - easy to pop in with papers etc.

I would change, especially if it is one of the ultra-cheap ones. If they can't do the simple admin competently it doesn't bode well.

doesn't have to be a local solicitor but anyone doing the work for £200 isn't doing much.

Definitely try to change if you aren't tied in with them.

I wouldn't personally go with any kind of online solicitors, I like to know there's somewhere I can go and see the person I'm dealing with face-to-face.

Have been working alongside solicitors for 14 years and our conveyancer has a few clients who turn up at least once a week for a progress report. They may be a bit of a PITA but their cases are always pushed through quickly!

Thanks everyone! The cheap online firm have been cancelled - they just said that they'd used the post code I provided and didn't see the error!

Just instructed a (more expensive but recommended by 3 people) local firm :)