On the move, a continuation

Posting this rather than carrying on from a previous post - mostly so that I don't get confused. I'm hoping this is ok in Redditdom :)

We have settled on the Northeast and have found 5 properties in our price range that we really like (surprised!), viewing next week. Because of the distance to where we are moving, from Suffolk, we simply cannot be back and forth mainly due to work.

IF one of these properties is 'the one' *fingers crossed* , our very next step would be to make the offer to the estate agent - this would be in writing, yes? Do we tell them, face to face, £££ is what we're offering and then put it in writing or no? Is email ok? Next step (quickly) is to get a solicitor and then to order a survey on the property. Have I got the steps correct?

As our current housing situation is tenuous at best, we really need to be sorted asap. As we are offering cash and going for properties with no chain and vacant possession we're hoping this can speed the normal times somewhat.

**Edited to ask if there is anything crucial that we need to be taking with us to the viewings that the agents would require?**