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20230126112028
Wojciech
Pleasant and smooth experience first time buying a house. Absolute pleasure working with Barbara and Richard, thank you very much for all your help!
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 27 January, 2023
Thank you for reviewing our conveyancing services. We are really happy to have helped you as a first time buyer. We really appreciate you taking the time to recommend us. Richard Ince.
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Lied to us for months
This company lied to us for months.
TLDR they lied to get our business then lied at every subsequent contact.
We instructed Barret and Co as first time buyers following a conversation with Jack who assured us that despite the fact Barrat were not on the board of our mortgage provider Co-op, that they could be added and that this happened all the time and was nothing to worry about.
We being first time buyers and a little naive believed them. We arranged to leave our rented house in line with the time they gave us.
That's when it all started heading south. They'd collected every bit of data under the sun from us and finally (3 months!) After they told us they'd be finished that not only had they never even attempted to get on to the board of the Co-Op but that they were not allowed to apply and could no longer represent us!
We'd spent hundreds with them and will be lodging formal complaints with the SRA over the conduct of their sales team and their solicitor Richard Ince who either lied when we asked what we needed to do or was too negligent to check.
Can't really represent the level of disappointment with these guys, probably the most financially damaging instance of lazy bull I've ever ran into.
Avoid like the plague.
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 24 October, 2024
We are really sorry you feel disappointed with the outcome of your matter. Please do contact us directly for a further explanation as to the current position.
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Professional and friendly service
As always friendly and professional service from Barrett’s for our house sale and purchase. We were particularly impressed by the response when we dropped into the office twice unannounced to sign papers. This helped to speed up the process and was also helpful because Richard could explain things in person. Iqra was also very responsive and helpful, and impressive in her knowledge.
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 18 April, 2024
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
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Great service and team
Iqra and Richard provided conveyancing service for the purchase of my first property. I found the team to be professional and supportive, taking time to explain the process to a first time buyer.
I would recommend their service and I would be happy to return to Barrett & co in the future.
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 04 June, 2023
Thank you for reviewing our conveyancing services. We are really pleased to have offered an efficient, friendly and honest service to you. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and your appreciation of our experience is really why we do what we do. Thank you for taking the time to write your kind words. Richard Ince.
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Sale of father’s bungalow
Excellent, responsive service from Richard and Barbara. Flexible and supportive throughout the whole process, which had a couple of twists and turns. Would definitely recommend.
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 06 February, 2023
Thank you for your lovely review. We are really pleased to have been able to offer flexible and solution-led conveyancing services for you. We really appreciate you recommending us to other potential clients. Richard Ince.
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Absolutely appalling
Our experience of Barrett and Co solicitors was deeply unpleasant and stressful. The solicitor handling our case left the firm, we were not informed and only discovered several months later that nobody had taken over our case - a lease extension on which our house sale depended. What should have taken six weeks then dragged on for 5 months, with constant mistakes, poor communication and a total lack of care or empathy from Barrett and Co, despite admitting they were at fault. We managed to complete our purchase only hours before the deadline, and only when another solicitor intervened. Throughout it all, the incompetence and indifference shown by Barrett and Co was staggering. I cannot recommend strongly enough that this firm should be avoided at all costs.
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 13 December, 2022
We were aware the clients’ sale of their property was dependent on the lease extension being completed but while delays in conveyancing are not welcome they are anticipated and inevitable with how property law and practice is currently practised. The client was kept in touch with the progress during numerous emails & phone calls. We at all times empathised with the client but we had to be objective & dispassionate as solicitors in order to resolve the issue. We were at all times dependent on the requirements of a third party who acted for their client, the lender and the client was fully informed of this. We do not agree with the client’s assertion that we were incompetent. The team worked tirelessly to resolve the issue and the resolution that led to the client’s sale going through was because of the involvement of Barrett & Co, and others who represented the client in the sale, not in spite of it. In dealing with this issue we had to continually chase a third party to resolve the complicated issue from their client, the lender. Delays in this process occurred. As a result the experience of the client was not a good one on any measure or assessment but ultimate progress was dependent on a third party over which we had limited control. As solicitors our job sometimes involves complicated issues, with many third parties involved. Clients are at the heart of our business. We learn from every service we provide and apply this. We do welcome feedback, both positive and negative and will always strive to be the best that we can in order to help clients and solve the problems which arise during property transactions which are can be numerous and sometimes unforeseen.
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Extremely Poor Communication
The level of communication from this firm during a conveyancing matter has been appalling, not only do they not communicate with me but do not respond to emails, or calls from any other agent involved in the case. I have been left hanging without information, to discover myself that staff are on annual leave, staff are off sick (which I know cant be helped) other staff have left the firm.
I understand that post covid firms are working on sometimes reduced staffing levels, but this level of service is ridiculous.
I will not be using this firm for my late husbands probate matter, the stress and anxiety this has caused me is unacceptable.
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 25 August, 2022
When we don't communicate clearly we can only apologise. We know we let you down and it is very disappointing that we could not keep you informed of the changing personnel and situation. It is rare that this happens but when it does, we understand your frustration and we are sorry to have upset you. We have discussed this as a team and re-emphasised the importance of letting our valued clients know if there is going to be a problem with staff shortages which may impact the smooth progress of work. Your comments are extremely valuable to us and we appreciate your feedback. Yours sincerely, Justin Sadler, Partner.
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Buying a house
Perfect location for me as I live near Reading town centre.
The process of buying a house took longer than I thought but I can't put the fault on Barrett and co as they endeavored to make sure I was well protected with odd things that arise when buying a house (correct boundaries etc)
Very surprised with the final bill ...very happy .
Staff are all lovely , even when pestering them with trivial questions , they knew how to put me at ease .
Thank you guys for all your hard work especially the receptionist , Emma and of course Richard xx
Lawyer named in this review: Richard Ince
A representative from Barrett & Co Solicitors responded to this review on 17 March, 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are all delighted that you got what you wanted from our service. Happy and loyal clients are what our work is all about and please do feel free to recommend us to friends and family. When you need us again for any legal matter please do get in touch so we can introduce you to other colleagues you may need for legal expertise. Richard Ince.
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