When you buy or sell a property, you'll be faced with a key decision early on: should you use the conveyancer recommended by your estate agent, or should you find one yourself? While the agent's suggestion offers a path of convenience, taking the time to research and select your own legal representative puts the power firmly in your hands. This guide explores the distinct advantages of making your own choice, ensuring your interests are the number one priority.

Why Finding Your Own Conveyancer is a Strategic Move

Choosing your own conveyancer allows you to vet, compare, and select a professional who is the perfect fit for your specific circumstances and budget. This proactive approach offers several key benefits over simply accepting a recommendation.

I. Ensuring Undivided Loyalty

The primary benefit of finding your own conveyancer is that their duty of care is exclusively to you. They work on your behalf with no other allegiances.

In Contrast: An estate agent's recommended conveyancer often has a long-standing business relationship with the agent. This can create a potential conflict of interest. Their desire to maintain a good relationship with the agent (who provides them with a steady stream of business) might subtly influence their advice, particularly if a legal issue arises that could delay or jeopardise the sale and, consequently, the agent's commission.

II. Freedom to Find the Right Specialist and Service

Property transactions are not one-size-fits-all. By researching yourself, you can find a firm that matches your needs:

• Local Experts: A local solicitor offers invaluable knowledge of area-specific issues and the convenience of face-to-face meetings.

• Online Conveyancers: These firms often leverage technology for a streamlined, efficient, and potentially more cost-effective service, ideal for straightforward transactions.

• Niche Specialists: Your purchase might involve complexities like a leasehold, shared ownership, or a new build. Your own search allows you to find a conveyancer with proven expertise in that specific area.

In Contrast: The agent's recommended firm is typically a generalist. They may be perfectly competent but might not have the specialist experience your unique transaction requires.

III. Gaining Control Over Costs and Transparency

Finding your own conveyancer empowers you to be a savvy consumer. You can gather multiple quotes, compare fee structures (e.g., fixed fee vs. hourly rates), and understand exactly what is included. This ensures you get competitive pricing and no hidden surprises.

In Contrast: When you accept an agent's recommendation, you are often presented with a single quote without any market context. Furthermore, it's common practice for agents to receive a referral fee from the conveyancer. As explained by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), this cost is usually passed on to you, meaning you may not be getting the best value for your money.

Taking control of your conveyancer search is a crucial step in protecting your interests. At Homey, we make it easy to find and compare quotes from a panel of vetted, high-quality conveyancing firms tailored to your specific needs. Visit us at www.homey.co.uk/conveyancing to get instant, transparent quotes and find the perfect conveyancer to represent you, ensuring you get the best service and value.

The Estate Agent's Recommendation: Weighing Convenience Against Control

It's important to understand why the agent's recommendation is so common and what it offers.

The Appeal: Simplicity and an Established Relationship

The primary benefit is convenience. It saves you the time and effort of conducting research. The agent and their recommended conveyancer likely have a well-established working relationship, which can sometimes lead to smoother communication between their offices.

The Potential Downsides: A Compromise on Choice and Allegiance

As highlighted, this convenience can come at a cost. You sacrifice the ability to choose your own expert, compare prices, and guarantee that your legal representative's loyalty is not divided. For many, this is a significant compromise in one of life's largest financial transactions.

What This Means for You

• For the Buyer: Your independently chosen conveyancer will act as your sole advocate, meticulously examining every detail of the contract and searches. Their advice to proceed, renegotiate, or withdraw from the purchase will be based entirely on your best interests, free from any pressure to facilitate the agent's commission.

• For the Seller: Your chosen conveyancer's priority is to secure a legally sound sale that protects you from future liabilities. They will manage the process at the correct pace, ensuring all legal requirements are met without being rushed by third-party interests.

• For the Mover: Juggling a sale and a purchase is complex. By selecting one firm to handle both, you ensure a cohesive strategy. Your chosen conveyancer can skilfully coordinate the chain, with a holistic view of your entire situation and a single-minded focus on achieving your goals.

In summary, while the path of least resistance offered by an estate agent's recommendation is tempting, the act of finding and choosing your own conveyancer is an investment in your peace of mind. It ensures that the legal expert in your corner is there for one reason alone: to protect you.

How Homey Can Help You

At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.

We offer:

• Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.

• Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.

• Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.

• Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.

With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.