How to be on guard when it comes to choosing a conveyancing solicitor

The Daily Mail today published an article entitled “Is your estate agent taking 'bribes' from your lawyer?” which recommends the following sensible advice when appointing a conveyancing solicitor:

• Do:

  ·         Keep everything simple and separate in a conveyancing transaction

  ·         Employ a conveyancing solicitor you trust, even if he costs more. 

  ·         Remember that estate agents aid buying and selling houses and nothing more.

  ·         Demand to know in writing about any conveyancing referral fees paid.

  Don’t:

  ·         Accept a conveyancing solicitor recommended by an estate agent - that is sufficient disqualification in itself.

  ·         Get involved in cash back deals with estate agents - get a discount on the sale price instead.

  ·         Encourage conflicts of interest - organise your solicitors and mortgage brokers yourself- this is far cheaper.

  ·         Employ an estate agent's Home Information Pack provider - they are often costly and pay kickbacks, too (see the recent Which report).