Advice on Solicitor/EA Ethics

BlackAmex

Hi
Hoping someone can give us some advice on this...

We're first time buyers about to make a formal offer for a property in Scotland so we need a solicitor.

I've been trying to get some recommendations and asked the estate agents representing the seller (a large, national company) who recommended a small local firm that specialises in Conveyancing.

Is it a bad idea to consider this firm and / or are there any potential conflict of interests?

Also, whilst we obviously want good value for money, we would definitely be prepared to pay a bit more for good service and a smooth/expedite process. i.e. the "cheapest" quote wouldn't be the main criteria. Which leads me to my next question:

How on earth to you choose a firm? Do we make a point of going for a lawyer specialising in residential property or will an experienced conveyancer do just a stellar of a job?

Would appreciate any input, as we're a bit lost!
P.S: I asked our broker but he's down in England so don't think he'll be able to help with local firms.

googler

Your solicitor should be independent from the one acting for the sellers. The sellers may be using the same solicitor as the EA is currently recommending, so you should take advice from friends and family to select your own.

You should select one who has a track record in residential sales and purchases. You should also look for one that will not charge you separately for individual, unsuccessful offers. There are many who make a selling point of not doing this.

Which part of Scotland are you in? Rural or City?

BlackAmex

Googler - Thanks for that.
We're in the Edinburgh area and the property we're buying is just outside Falkirk.

googler

BlackAmex wrote: »

Googler - Thanks for that.
We're in the Edinburgh area and the property we're buying is just outside Falkirk.

Are the sellers using an agent/solicitor in the Falkirk area, or Edinburgh-based?

Hugbubble

I rang up a few (didn't know anyone who had used a local firm, so no recommendations from friends/ family) asking for quote for what we needed to do.

I went for the one who was most helpful and who made me feel most at ease on the phone when I enquired. It was not the cheapest, but not the most expensive of the bunch, but the one I felt would work well.

As it was, it was a conveyancer within his firm (I had spoken to one of the partners) to whom the work was actually delegated, but I have nothing but praise for the job they did.

They are not local to you I'm afraid otherwise I would recommend, but my point is to go with someone you feel comfortable with

BlackAmex

Hugbubble - that makes a lot of sense. think I'll be hitting the phones this afternoon.

Googler - they use a firm in the Falkirk/Stirling area.

poppy_f1

i used drummond millar who have offices across west lothian and edinburgh (i used the bathgate office mainly)

i used them tbh as my parents used them for years so i went with them rather than getting quotes but the communication was great and had no issues

BlackAmex

Poppy, thanks for that. Will give them a call as Bathgate is actually quite handy for me.