How do you choose a solicitor/conveyancer?

Need2Know_2

We are FTB hoping and praying for our offer to be accepted and we need to get a solicitor.
I just wanted to know if there was some special way of choosing one, a list of questions you should ask etc?


Any tips and advice would be gratefully received.

princessamy86

Make sure you get a full fee breakdown of both the solicitors fees and any disbursements they will charge. I would probably get recommendations from any friends or family who have sold recently, and if you can't get any recommendations then a quick google will normally throw up any big problems. Make sure they are contactable, this is the most important thing as nothing holds up a sale quite like a solicitor who can't be contacted! There are some very cheap deals online but be wary of them, as some are very very basic and can turn a sale into a nightmare. Whereabouts are you based? Someone on here may be able to recommend one for you.

Need2Know_2

We are based in Surbiton, Surrey. I know a family member has sold recently so will ask them too.

Thanks

wriggly

Recommendations from people you trust are best, but if noone appropriate:

1. look at the websites of trustworthy estate agents - they often recommend solicitors, etc - hopefully you've shopped around enough agents to get a feel for the quality experienced agents, not the dodgy, profit-seeking [deleted]ers.

2. phone them up and ask for a quote. The difference in responses will give you a feel for how they'll handle queries further down the track. Preferably go with someone who emails you a properly formatted and complete quote. Things go much faster when the solicitors use email for routine communications.

3. But make sure you can visit them if necessary. Again, visiting to sign documents saves a lot of time over mailing stuff back and forth. When buying a house, being able to move quickly always works to your advantage and reduces frustration.