Is it a good idea to go with a solicitor recommend by the estate agent?

ahfh1

Hi,

Just had an offer accepted on a house.

I don't have a solicitor, and so the estate agent recommended one for me. Is it a good idea to go along with the recommended solicitor (as he's dealt with the estate agent previously, and hopefully get things moving quickly)? I'm afraid he may act in the best interest of the estate agent rather than myself if things go wrong. Or am I worrying about nothing, as surely conveyancing is just a standard procedure for all solicitors?

Cheers

Bermuda_John

usually it is a fairly straightforward process

using their solicitor will mean they get a fee

tek-monkey

I'd go with an independant one, if nothing else because I hate being told what to do! Get quotes off 3 regardless, as you normally would with any professional service you require.

SplanK

each solicitor will act differently and go at their own pace.. some will be quick, some will be slow, some will be forgetfull, and some will be a royal pain in the !!!

its usualy best to go of recomendations from friends or family and cheapest is not always the best

personally - i would take the info from the EA and say you will look into it (to keep friendly atmosphere) but then go look for your own

lindos90

Im living to regret this, as both my buyer and seller have the same solicitor too! (again encouraged by the EA)

If I could turn back the clock, I would go with a different solicitor, how ever much they say they will be inpartial, will not have conflicts of interest or that it will speed the process up.

The EA encourage you to go with a solicitor simply because they have an 'arrangement' and get some kind of 'Introduction fee'or bonus, nothing to do with recommending a 'good' solicitor to you.

Best to get a recommendation from a friend who has recently moved if you can.

gratefulforhelp_2

we did this and got a conveyancer who was incompetent ( forgot to file our ownership of the property amongst other things).

i would go with a local recommendation from someone not involved in the process. Also, a hundred quid saved on conveyancing may cost you more if you need to negotiate anything and the person you choose isn't very good.

snapping_crocodile

I used the one recommended by the EA and they were excellent. It was a straight forward FTB purchase with no onward chain either. The solicitors were quick and efficient, everything was done and dusted in 6 weeks

zzzLazyDaisy

I used one recommended by the EA and she was brilliant. But I was from outside the area, and didn't know anyone. Also it wasn't an anonymous centralised conveyancing company, but a genuine local solicitor.

Having said that, when we sold the 'former matrimonial home', my ex instructed the centralised conveyancers recommended by the estate agent, who were linked to the EA in some way. They were a shambolic mess and the whole process was a nightmare!

bubblybee

I've never bought a house but I would not use one recommended by the EA - who are essentially working for the vendor. Ask your work colleagues for their recommendations.

Radsteral

The same solicitor who acts for the seller by law cant act for the buyer! i found that when i tried to buy a house and the one recomanded by ea, gave up and i found my own one.
Though bubblybee is dead right- a solicitor acting for the seller cant really act on your very best while acting for them aswell

Enfieldian

If you don't have one in mind it is worth considering this as an option.

Sometimes EAs just recommend a solicitor they know that will do a good job and can be contacted (shock horror!)