How to pick a solicitor?

coolguycp1

I have been looking to buy a house and I have had a meeting with one big solicitor firm who have sent me their quote for their legal services and I was quite keen to take them on board.

Now, I have recently seen a good property up for sale which I am quite interested to buy but the estate agents selling the property are the same solicitor firm to which I had spoken to as above.

I am confused as to whether to proceed ahead with the same solicitor since I have my doubts how will they impartially act to ensure both parties' best interests?

Is it advisable to chose a different solicitor?

hcb42

you definitely dont want same solicitor..

can anyone else give you a recommendation in the area?

coolguycp1

I live in Aberdeen and there are plenty of solicitors around, however, this one is among the biggest in Aberdeen and has a local branch too. When I met their solicitor, she claimed to have a vast amount of knowledge pertaining to the sales and purchase of properties in my area which could be advantageous in negotiating the best price.

hcb42

yup...but she is also acting for the people you are buying from....so she cannot act in both your best interests

coolguycp1

I put the same question to her and she said at that time that if she is acting on behalf of the seller, she will not act on my behalf, but another solicitor of the same firm will then act on my behalf to ensure impartial negotiations.
I did not have much confidence though in her statement and going by your recommendation, I may well engage a different solicitor.

Another query,

Do the solicitors normally advise on how much offer to put for a property? I know that there are Home Reports from the seller which gives the valuations, but is it advisable to completely believe on the valuation and go with what the solicitor advises?