Buying the first home: what makes a solicitor a good solicitor?

MaMoneyMaMoney

Hi all, despite doing research online and offline, I thought I would ask the question in here hoping other users who have been through this already would share their experiences, opinions, thoughts.

When it comes to buying the first home..

What makes a solicitor a good solicitor?
Professionally speaking, what should be expected from them?

Thank you

bigstevex

A recommendation from someone else who had a smooth purchase/good communication/responsiveness.



We've had a total nightmare but that's another story.

davidmcn

MaMoneyMaMoney wrote: »

Professionally speaking, what should be expected from them?

Explaining stuff to you and giving advice.

Too many people here seem to have solicitors who don't do either (hence why they're asking strangers on an internet forum).

G_M

davidmcn wrote: »

Explaining stuff to you and giving advice.

Too many people here seem to have solicitors who don't do either (hence why they're asking strangers on an internet forum).

I suspect that's often because either they don't want to ask, or they are using a conveyancing warehouse.

SmashedAvacado

When asking for a quote, make sure you ask for a report from the solicitor as part of the scope of work - this should be the summary of advice / issues with the property that they provide to you in advance of exchange of contracts. That should always be included, but a lot of people dont end up getting this.

To some extent it is horses for courses, and a very simple freehold transaction over an existing and well established house without recent extensions will be much easier than a new build leasehold property - so the context is important.

Avoid anyone using a gmail / hotmail or with one email address for the whole firm

Make sure you know who will be doing the work for you, and that you will have their contact details.