My conveyances

BarmyBubba

I emailed my conveyances yesterday to check on the progress and find out when they would be needing further payment from me. I have already paid £95.

I was told that their usual practice is not to order a search until they have received my mortgage offer from the mortgage company (if I get an offer that is).

They did say that on my instruction they can proceed with the search straight away.

Is what they have told me common practice? I was a bit surprised because I thought they would have cracked straight onto it, especially as I have made part payment. Or are they hoping I dont get an offer, so they get to keep my depost/payment without having to do any work.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

Debt_Free_Chick

BarmyBubba wrote:

I emailed my conveyances yesterday to check on the progress and find out when they would be needing further payment from me. I have already paid £95.

I was told that their usual practice is not to order a search until they have received my mortgage offer from the mortgage company (if I get an offer that is).

That doesn't sound too unreasonable. If you don't get a mortgage offer for the amount you need, the purchase may fall through and then you've wasted money on the searches.

They did say that on my instruction they can proceed with the search straight away.

If you want to "crack on" then instruct them to do so. But just be aware that if the purchase doesn't go ahead, you'll have wasted your money. The money you pay for searches goes to the local authority, not in the pocket of your solicitor.

Is what they have told me common practice? I was a bit surprised because I thought they would have cracked straight onto it, especially as I have made part payment. Or are they hoping I dont get an offer, so they get to keep my depost/payment without having to do any work.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

You need to be clear about what you've paid so far. Is it a non-refundable deposit? Or is it a payment on account? It's very unusual for solicitors to take a non-refundable deposit. They usually only charge for the work they do - no work, no fee.

An initial payment of £95 would not go very far, so they will need more money soon (especially if you want the searches done) - unless they are prepared to bill you, in full, on completion.

It's a bit worrying that you don't seem to have much trust & confidence in your solicitor. This really is vital for any professional adviser.

BarmyBubba

Its not that I dont trust them. Its just that I am a first time buyer and I dont have a clue what goes on and what is right or wrong.

I have emailed them a few times already, but I feel a nuisance if I keep pestering them which is why I have come on here for advice.

I'm just excited about my first house and want it to hurry up ;o)

Jorgan_2

Some solicitors hold off on applying for searches, until the mortgage offer is issued, beacause they feel they are potentially saving their clients money if the survey comes back with some problems which can't be resolved. Doing things this way will usually extend the time between offer acceptance & exchange & completion.

You could argue that the search should be done first, because if the searches show a major road going within 300yds of the property, you may not purchase it and the searches may be cheaper than a survey.

As long as your chain isn't looking to move to quickly you shouldn't have a problem.

BarmyBubba

I'm wanting it to move quickly

Jorgan_2

If you want to move quickly then get them to apply for the searches before you get the mortgage offer. Remember if you don't the the mortgage offer for some reason, you will loose the search fee.

Also you can only move as quick as the slowest link in the chain.

BarmyBubba

No chain neither for me or the seller.

I cant understand it though, I was offered insurance (about £34) by the Conveyancers in case the deal fell through. Was this just to cover the £90+ I have paid so far?

suki1964

No, the insurance is to cover the conveyencers fees if the sale fall through. Once you have instructed them to work on your behalf they are entitled to claim for the full costs to them for the work done. The £90 is just a "booking" fee so to speak and is taken into account when your final bill is made up

BarmyBubba

I get you...I think.