Opening a Spanish bank account, etc

My mum owns a house in Santiago de la Ribera. She died in January. All the bills are paid by standing order from her Spanish bank account with BBVA. I have inherited the house. I haven't yet told the bank she has died but next month I'm going to Santiago to sort everything out with a lawyer - pay tax due, get house in my name, etc, so presumably the account will then be frozen. At the moment, I haven't got a Spanish bank account or a NIE number.

My questions are:

Which bank ? can anyone recommend a bank in the area (San Javier, Santiago, Los Alcazeres) with English speaking, helpful staff? I found BBVA in Santiago woefully poor, so won't be using them!

Do I need a NIE number to open an account? Can I just take 500 euros in cash and open the account with that?

How do I get an NIE number? I suppose I will need one to do the business on the house?

Thanks.

Here is a website for you. Anglo Info do have a Costa Blanca website as well . Just google Angloinfo Costa Blanca.

I  am with Barclays who have been taken over by La Caixa Bank. I am quite happy with their service and English is spoken.I am sure you will find some Branches near you somewhere.

http://spain.angloinfo.com/moving/residency/nie-the-application/

Good Luck

only thing I can help you with is that banco sabadell in

los alcazares have all english speaking staff.

good luck