Engaging a conveyancer or solicitor before making an offer

Vicis

Hello, I'm a first-time buyer preparing to make an offer on a house.
I have an agreement in principle from my bank. I've read that engaging a conveyancer or solicitor before making an offer can be beneficial. Could you clarify the advantages? Also, I'm concerned about selecting a conveyancer who might not be on my mortgage lender's panel, potentially requiring me to switch later. Any advice on navigating this?

youth_leader

The EA will want your solicitor details for the Memorandum of Sale. When you find a solicitor, before you go as far as engaging them,  ask if they are on your lender's panel.

NameUnavailable

Worth having one in mind so you're ready to go if an offer is accepted but there's no need to engage them until then.

dinosaur66

in scotland i have to make an offer via conveyencer

in england i have always made the offer myself by going into the estate agent with my proof of funds

 then make the offer via them .

in your case offer in principal/.proof of deposit

estate agent take photocopies and then look over them .

IMO it makes the offer firmer and shows you are serious.

 

RHemmings

I had an informal agreement from my solicitors to name them as my solicitors in any offers that I made. If it makes a difference, my solicitors were a small local company, quite expensive, and very good.