Buyers strange request. Is she a fraudster?

olly300

deckard3001 wrote: »

Is it a reasonable request? do?

No

deckard3001 wrote: »

Is she money laundering?

Possibly or mortgage fraud.

deckard3001 wrote: »

What the heck should I do?

Just tell her that you are not changing sollicitors because you already owe your solicitor a lot of money and they are your family solicitor.

If she insists try and find out the mortgage company, inform them and withdraw from the sale. You lose out but it's better than facing a big fine or prison.

Neillgb

Shame for the OP though in the present climate.

Perhaps the best way to look at it is that there never was a genuine buyer.

Interesting to know what happens here.

clutton_2

this will probably be because she is trying to do a No Money Down deal - and some solicitors are not sure if lenders will approve of the method of "gifted deposit" used in the transaction.

there is no come-back on the OP at all - but if s/he feels uncomfortable, then stick with your own solicitor.

however, i would not like to lay odds on the purchaser then backing out of the deal

ukjoel

I would switch providing she explains why in a reasonable manner.

It may be she has negotiated a massive discount on conveyancing through one solicitor (you say she is buying lots and lots of property).

It may be she has had a massive falling out with your solicitor (perhaps they were slow with paperwork and she lost a sale previously) and has no wish to deal with them again.

People are strange and never more so than when buying and selling houses or cars.

Buyers are scarce at the moment so I wouldnt write her off until you know why. BUT and its a big BUT check the new solicitor out prior to moving across.

People are strange but it doesnt always mean they are conning you or someone else.

You can always employ a third party of solicitors to check things through on your behalf and monitor the first one.

Tassotti

Scam for gods sake!!!!

Bf109

You buyer will be telling you that you've won the Nigerian lottery next.... just need to pay £5k to relase the funds....

iyiarz

Yeah, sounds like DoozerGirl says. You may be able to use your choice of solicitors still and keep everyone happy. You need to speak to the buyer and see if you can accomidate her requirements with your solicitors. Otherwise I'd leave well alone.

zzzLazyDaisy

Your solicitor is supposed to act in YOUR interests.

A solicitor acting for both buyer and seller potentially has a conflict of interests.

Even if you and the buyer have different solicitors the fact that the buyer is attempting to impose her choice of solicitor on you is unacceptable.

For this reason alone, I'd stick to my guns and insist on using my own solicitor.

(I am a solicitor)

Tassotti

Just reread your post...If you change to solicitor for other party, make sure all your costs are covered.
Tass

poppysarah

ukjoel wrote: »

You can always employ a third party of solicitors to check things through on your behalf and monitor the first one.

But that's madness! The OP has a solicitor they are using and they would be mad to change solicitor. If it's a deal breaker then it is wise to stay well away from something as bizarre as this.

Your solicitor represents YOU. You should chose your solicitor.