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Conference govt02::basingstoke

Title: * BASINGSTOKE - Gateway to Wessex *
Notice:BASINGSTOKE - John Arlott lived here - then left, I wonder why
Moderator:COMICS::CORNEJ
Created:Wed Jul 27 1988
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:925
Total number of notes:5875

472.0. "Any GOOD Solicitors out there?" by HAMPS::BRISTOW_M () Wed Aug 14 1991 13:00

    Can anyone recommend a GOOD solicitor in Reading or Basingstoke
    area?
    
    By GOOD I mean one you don't have to chase and one with a lot
    of initiative and get the job done!
    
    Its for buying a property.
    
    Experiences welcome as examples plus prices if you have them.
    
    Thanks and advance.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
472.1John PhillipsFORTY2::GROOMWed Aug 14 1991 13:467
John Phillips,

Cost about �235 two years ago, but bear in mind any solicitors fees are
small fry compared to the cost of the stamp duty. Total cost was about
�1000.

Alex.
472.2Clarke and Son, B/SRDGENG::THALIFAXWrinkle ChopsWed Aug 14 1991 14:3115
    
    
    Just used Mr Stober from Clarke and son in Manor House, Winchester Road,
    Basingstoke,  did what was needed with no hassle and charged less
    than original estimate.
    
    0256 20555    
    
    He was recommended to me by a friend who, along with her family have
    been using him for years.
    
    Hope all goes well.
    
    Tracy
                                                            
472.3Amery Parkes & CoHAMPS::THAYER_SmeowWed Aug 14 1991 14:4214
    Stephen Slough of Amery Parkes & Co (12a London Street, Tel 56262) was 
    extremely professional, brilliant, full of initiative, trustworthy (and 
    any other superlative you can think of) when we used him 18 months ago.  
    He was recommended as being expensive, but worth it.  Can't remember 
    the exact price but it's worth getting a quote if you want to be sure 
    of getting the job done.
    
    I think I would rather use him again and live off bread and water for a 
    year than put up with the sort of previous experiences I've had with 
    solicitors!
    
    Regards,
    Susi
    
472.4KERNEL::MCGAUGHRINWhat a Marvelous DeliveryThu Aug 22 1991 00:462
    
    don't use Clarke & son there crap
472.5HAMPS::TAYLOR_MThu Aug 22 1991 15:0415
    I've used John Phillips & Co. three times, and have had no problems,
    and the final bill has always been as quoted. The price was always
    reasonable. He helped sort out a lot of hassle when other people in the
    chain were being slow or mucking us around.
    
    It is *essential* to get a written quote first. It is also worth
    remembering that while your house move may be the highest priority to
    you, it is just one of many jobs as far as the solicitor is concerned.
    As other replies have stated, it is worth shopping around. I think
    that, in the current climate, solicitors have got more time on their
    hands, which should mean that you get a better service than when they
    are rushed off their feet.
                              
    Mike.
     
472.6COMICS::LANGHarvey Lang UK/CSCThu Aug 22 1991 15:389
    Well, if you are still looking for a GOOD solicitor, I could tell you a
    few horror stories about one of the firms mentioned in previous replies
    to this note. Unfortunately, I believe notes etiquette prohibits me from 
    giving you the gory details, however if you are interested, drop me a
    mail/phone.
    
    
    Harvey (who now knows the difference between a quote and an estimate!)
                                             
472.7Why does he have to be local ?COMICS::CUNNEAThu Aug 22 1991 18:4112
    
    
    I would also like to recommend a GOOD solicitor he is called John
    Rabey, you may not think him suitable as his offices are in Truro,
    Cornwall but he dealt very efficiently with my recent flat purchase
    and is also not yet registered for VAT which makes things slightly
    cheaper.
    
    Telephone Number is (0872) 222890
    
    Lesley
    
472.8Henley'sXNOGOV::KARENwhen you wish upon a star...Wed Sep 11 1991 14:046
    Henley's were pretty good when we bought our house.  Small and
    friendly.
    
    Good luck,
    
    Karen
472.9HenleysMINNIE::BUSHENThe poppies are on patrolWed Sep 11 1991 18:559
>                                 -< Henley's >-
>
>    Henley's were pretty good when we bought our house.  Small and
>    friendly.

They are also cheap (although I didn't look to hard!) but a little slow 
mind you they were slow sending us their bill ;-)

	Paul.
472.10The best in town.REPAIR::SHERGOLDA new head on the block!Tue Apr 05 1994 15:4619
    Just to update the "Good solicitor" list for house sale/purchase you
    will find Carolyn Shergold at McNulty & Co. one of the best
    conveyancers in Basingstoke and areas surrounding. Be sure to ask for
    her by name otherwise you may not get the same treatment. Let her know
    you work for Digital for a "favourable" quote 
    
    I know I am married to the lady but she does come highly recommended by
    many others, in and out of Digital, and she did work for John Phillips
    until 4 years ago.......
    
    She also does very competive rates on wills and probate.
    
    Address:	35 Church St.
    		Basingstoke
    		Hants
    		RG21 1QQ
    
    Telepjone:	0256-810824
    Fax:	0256-463430
472.11Rowberry MorrisUKEDU::BUSHEN_PI&#039;ve won a paper clip!!!!Wed Apr 06 1994 21:1415
on recommendation from this conference and friends

I re-recommend

Valerie Taylor

Rowberry Morris
Queen's Parade
New St
BASINGSTOKE

(0256) 50007

cheers
	paul.
472.12Another referenceSLPSTK::ILESMike Iles - Business Partner Development AssistanceMon Apr 11 1994 11:1812
C. J. Ireland (Chris)
Old Reading Rd
Chineham
Basingstoke.

Don't have his number handy but he's in the book.

Really nice guy, good rates agreed up front, and out of town
parking too!

-Mike-

472.13KERNEL::COFFEYJThe Uk CSC Unix Girlie.Mon Apr 18 1994 17:5839
Well, my turn to look for a solicitor. What I have noticed in here is it 
isn't clear which in here are solicitors and which simply conveyancers. 

Big difference if you think you might be needing a solicitor thanks to 
buying what is probably going to turn out to be a repo.

The summary seems to be something as follows:

Please, please correct me if I'm wrong as I may be using them soon and 
I'd hate to make a bad mistake on this one.

RECOMMENDED

Conveyancers
------------
Carolyn Shergold at McNulty & Co.

Solicitors
----------
Valerie Taylor at Rowberry Morris+3 or 4 recommendations

Unknown which 
-------------
C. J. Ireland (Chris)
John Phillips & Co. +2 (cheap)
Mr Stober from Clarke and son in Manor House (cheap)
Stephen Slough of Amery Parkes & Co (expensive)
Henley's (cheap but slow)

NOT RECOMMENDED: 
Jonathan something, Brain and Brain, 
Clarke and son



Unless someone corrects this list/says who's of the unknowns are actual
fully fledged solicitors it sounds like Valerie Taylor is the one for 
anyone wanting an actual solicitor. 

472.14UKARC1::ILESMike Iles - Business Partner Development AssistanceFri Apr 22 1994 23:495
    I've only used Chris Ireland for conveyancing, but I'm sure he does
    more than that...
    
    -Mike-
    
472.15.13 is wrong.REPAIR::SHERGOLDA new head on the block!Mon Apr 25 1994 13:0926
    I am sorry but your summary is wrong. Both Carolyn Shergold and 
     are Valerie Taylor are conveyancers and work for solicitors. Both have
    extensive experience in conveyancing BUT Carolyn has qualifications
    (ILEX AND Licensed Conveyancers - Commendation on her recently passed
    exam).
    
    The thought of insisting on a solicitor when involved in a tricky house
    purchase is not necessarily a good one as they invaribly pass their
    conveyancing on to an assistant as conveyancing is not considered "de
    rigour" by them. Therefore you should look for a solictors firm that
    has a good conveyancer attached. 
    
    I would also NOT recommend that you go for the lowest quote given. There 
    is a lot of work involved in conveyancing and to keep costs as low as
    possible is why conveyancers are used and not actual solicitors. To get
    realy low quotes some firms will simply cut back on communications
    costs and this means no letters unless absolutely necessary and no time
    spent on phone or in office talking to clients. In other words you can
    be left in the dark until something unpleasant pops up or the deal is
    done; not a pleasant state of affairs when spending the sort of money
    you are on a house. So as to get that warm comfortable feeling it is
    worth spending 50 or so pounds more. And you will get that if you let
    Carolyn know you work for DEC (Especially my old chums at Viables).
    
    
    Keith
472.16ta lots....KERNEL::COFFEYJThe Uk CSC Unix Girlie.Tue Apr 26 1994 13:379
:-) thanks for the correction (someone else did that by phone too)

> So as to get that warm comfortable feeling it is
>    worth spending 50 or so pounds more. And you will get that if you let
>    Carolyn know you work for DEC 

What! You pay 50 pounds more if you work for DEC ? :-) :-)


472.17Geroff, you!REPAIR::SHERGOLDA new head on the block!Tue Apr 26 1994 14:5416
> So as to get that warm comfortable feeling it is
>    worth spending 50 or so pounds more. And you will get that if you let
>    Carolyn know you work for DEC 

What! You pay 50 pounds more if you work for DEC ? :-) :-)

    **** Nooooo. If you mention the magic word Digital to Carolyn you may 
    just be surprised by what happens, BUT I cannot make any promises (Depends
    on how many coffees or beers you've bought me over the years :-})
    
    Keith
    
    P.S. I can also provide general and simple advice on conveyancing if
    anyone needs it (Do not expert legal advice; you have to pay for that,
    sorry) - "with out predjudice", of course. Just open up another note.
472.18KERNEL::COFFEYJThe Uk CSC Unix Girlie.Tue Apr 26 1994 19:077
>If you mention the magic word Digital to Carolyn you may just be surprised 
>by what happens,

Given the reputation we're getting I'm wary of mentioning it to many people
.... they seem to think it makes you liable to loose your job soon if 
you work for digital. :-)

472.19Success!!REPAIR::SHERGOLDA new head on the block!Tue May 23 1995 13:454
    Just a small update. Carolyn Shergold is now a fully fledged LICENSED
    CONVEYANCER - the only one in Basingstoke!
    
    Keith
472.20COMICS::SHELLEYThats all I have to say about thatTue Aug 08 1995 10:358
    I have just completed a mortgage transfer to Lloyds to take advantage
    of their offer (I will soon be 2 grand better off).
    
    I used McNulty & Co and can recommend them. Unfortunately, Carolyn
    Shergold has been ill so she wasn't able to handle the Xfer personally.
    
    Royston
    
472.21nothing against Caroline, but Val is great too...KERNEL::COFFEYJThe Uk CSC Unix Girlie.Tue Aug 08 1995 10:5222
Well, I notice I never actually reported back on 
my choice. 


I ended up using Valerie Taylor and was *very* 
impressed... she had the balls all rolling faster
than the other solicitor/mortgage co/anyone
could keep up with - everything was done before it 
needed doing, she even paid me interest on my
deposit as she held it for a few months without 
my having to ask! Not to mention interim statements
saying where we were what costs were outstanding etc... 

She also slipped in a query to Companies house 
for me at no charge which was very handy! 

Basically I was incredibly impressed and as I 
now live just round the corner from her would 
use her for anything at all that came anywhere 
near her line of business. 


472.22Hip, hip, hooray - let's hear it for ValKERNEL::MORRISWhich universe did you dial?Tue Aug 08 1995 18:537
    Me too!
    
    I have always used Val Taylor for conveyancing and, given the excellent
    service and the reasonable charges, would _never_ consider using
    anybody else.
    
    Jon
472.24If the plug fits, wear itKERNEL::MORRISWhich universe did you dial?Wed Jul 10 1996 09:5911
    Keith,
    
    It's a good job that this isn't a public conference as I suspect that
    your last entry may be litigiously libellous.
    
    I would further contend that your good opinion of Carolyn Shergold may
    be somewhat biased :-)
    
    Still, if you can't plug it for free here, where can you?
    
    Jon
472.25The BEST Conveyancer in town.GEM::SHERGOLDA FOOL&#039;S living PARADISEWed Jul 10 1996 10:5026
    
    If you want a really good conveyancer to do your house sale and/or
    purchase then you really must go to 
    
    			      KINGFISHERS
    
    			 LICENSED CONVEYANCERS
    				  and 
    			COMMISSIONERS for OATHS
    
    			  TEL: 01256-812911
    			  
    	       (Please phone as office address is temporary)
    
    This is where Carolyn Shergold (Fellow of the Institute of Legal
    Executives and  Member of Society for Licenced Conveyancers), the most 
    highly qualified, honest and efficient conveyancer in Basingstoke, has 
    moved to. Actually she is now the head of this office and would be most 
    pleased to hear from any DECCIE who needs help or advice on house purchase 
    and your business if possible.
    
    Her old office of McNulty & Co. is to be avoided at all costs. 
        
    Regards
    		Keith
    
472.26Well spotted.GEM::SHERGOLDA FOOL&#039;S living PARADISEWed Jul 10 1996 11:1222
    Re .24
    
    O.K., John, you spotted it; I am married to the lady and I may even be
    persuaded I am slightly biased, however I can assure you she knows the
    business inside out and will not give anyone a bum steer.
    
    As to the libel; well I have removed the contentious reply but as a
    libel is the writing of a falsehood that is liable to defame a person
    then I offer the following FACTS.
    
    1. In the last year every fee earner has left the McNulty practice and
       none have joined.
    
    2. Ed McNulty goes to the Feathers and drinks from around 11 o'clock in 
       the morning until 4 o'clock in the afternoon with very, very few 
       exceptions. He then drives home
    
    I will leave you to draw your own conclusions as to whether you wish to
    do business with this man's practice.
    
    Regards
    		Keith Shergold
472.27For all you house moves.GEM::SHERGOLDSign this contract - details filled in laterThu Apr 03 1997 13:4820
    There is a new conveyancing business in town. Having divested herself
    of the McNulty mantel Carolyn Shergold now runs a branch office of
    KINGFISHERS. The office is very easy to reach as it's in MARKET PLACE
    HOUSE, MARKET PLACE. The entrance is just to the right of FISHER
    PHOTOGRAPHIC in the top-of-the-town square and is immediately above the
    shop. Telephone 01256-812911 or Fax 812923. 
    
    She also does a very good line in wills (A basic will costing around
    half that  charged by most solicitors) and as is a Commisioner for
    Oaths. So if you need a swear she's your lady.
    
    Anyone needing a business card please call at my desk in G4.
    
    Regards
    		Keith
    
    P.S. For those Valerie Taylor fans I am afraid she no longer works as 
    she decided to give more time to her family.
    
    
472.28KERNEL::COFFEYJLa Feline Flooz - a unix catTue Apr 08 1997 11:029
>    P.S. For those Valerie Taylor fans I am afraid she no longer works as 
>    she decided to give more time to her family.


Good for her!

She put in loads for me buying my house, not to mention throwing in 
some companies house checks for me.