How to find a solicitor

bruciebounus

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers about how to find a solicitor. I'm a FTB, still looking at the moment, but want to be in a good position when I offer on a house.

I've heard it's good to get 3 quotes, but I dont even know where to start. Do I just call up a firm and tell them my situation then if I choose to go with them I just call them if and when I have an offer accepted on a house?

GAH

The best way to normally find a good solicitor is normally to ask a few people that you know that have used one before, they can then tell you if they were good or not.

A good solicitoris worth their weight in gold.

If you are starting to look at houses now, then it certainly doesn't hurt to sart getting quotes.

Then ideal thing for a FTB to have in place to cement their offer is, a solicotr in place and Agreement in Principle from a lender. It def strenghtens your position.

bruciebounus

GAH wrote: »

The best way to normally find a good solicitor is normally to ask a few people that you know that have used one before, they can then tell you if they were good or not.

A good solicitoris worth their weight in gold.

If you are starting to look at houses now, then it certainly doesn't hurt to sart getting quotes.

Then ideal thing for a FTB to have in place to cement their offer is, a solicotr in place and Agreement in Principle from a lender. It def strenghtens your position.

Thanks, thats what I thought. We recently had an offer turned down- the people who were accepted had a solicitor in place already which I think sealed the deal. Although I do have an AIP. Problem is that I dont know anyone else who is buying at the moment!

Richard_Webster

Google "Conveyancing Solicitor [name of your town]" and then contact three or four of those who show up with websites - not directory listings or Google Adsense or sponsored links.

Phone them up and explain your position and ask them for written estimates. When you get the estimates you can look through them and possibly ask more for clarification.

Unfortunately there are some out there who love putting in extras which you might assume you don't have to pay. For instance a lot will charge around £75 for completing the Stamp Duty land Tax Form. Even if as a FTB you are not paying SDLT the form still has to be completed and you will still get charged.

TimmyT and I disapprove of this practice of adding on things that are really part of the convweyancing work, but it does happen, so read carefully and ask quesitons before you commit yourself.

G_M

As Richard says:
* get several quotes
* get them in writing
* compare carefully - look for 'extras'

Read this for guidance.

bruciebounus

Also as a point of interest, would anyone suggest going through an estate agent recommended solicitor or not? I have read a lot of negative things on these forums about services through the estate agents.

GAH

No theres nothing wrong with going with a solicitor that Estate agents reccomend. The agent normally reccomends them on the basis they have a good working relationship together.

Yes some solicitors pay the agents referal fees, but you can always get a quote from them, you dont have to use them.

chesneyoctopus

If the agent recommends a solicitor, ask why. If it is because he/she is local, and gives a good service, then you can certainly ask for a quotation in writing. However, it may be that the solicitor/licenced conveyancer will pay a referral fee to that agent for the recommendation. They are usually more expensive, to cover the fee payable to the agent.

G_M

No reason not to, but no reason to either.

Just include them in your list of quotes and make up your own mind.

timmyt

bruciebounus wrote: »

Also as a point of interest, would anyone suggest going through an estate agent recommended solicitor or not? I have read a lot of negative things on these forums about services through the estate agents.

Always listen to an Independent Estate Agent as their local ties are very important for their reputation so they use good solicitors. Make sure you get an actual conveyancing solicitor or Legal Executive, nothing less.

timmyt

chesneyoctopus wrote: »

If the agent recommends a solicitor, ask why. If it is because he/she is local, and gives a good service, then you can certainly ask for a quotation in writing. However, it may be that the solicitor/licenced conveyancer will pay a referral fee to that agent for the recommendation. They are usually more expensive, to cover the fee payable to the agent.

I just read a Sequence 'sign up with us' agreement and they quoted very high charges and didn't use any local conveyancer - sent customer out of County!!

NEVER EVER consider an Estate Agent whose own paperwork can sign you up to a conveyancer. NEVER. If they have this, don't even use them to sell your house.

Watch for Estate Agent fixed fees to which can work out at a high % if you don't do your maths.