Who gets the ball rolling?

KTJ_2

.....stick with me on this one.

We accepted an offer on my house about 4 months ago.

We had an offer accepted on a house we want to buy about 1 month ago.

The people we are buying off have just had an offer accepted and it looks like the chain ends there.

Now, I thought the solicitors all liaised with each other and got all the conveyancy done and came up with a completion date.

I just recieved a call from the estate agents we are selling our house with saying that our buyers want a completion date. I had no idea what to say. As mentioned above, I thought completion dates were sorted out by the solicitors.

Do I need to start chasing up my solicitor to get the ball rolling or will she be waiting for our sellers to act first?

Im not sure how to proceed!

any advice?

JennyW_2

sounds like your at the same stage as us

Basically when all the legalities have been sorted out and all paperwork is in order, the solicitor should ask you when you would like to complete or he may say that your buyer has suggested a date and are you happy to comply.

A mutually suitable date is arranged via the solicitors (as instructed from the buyers/sellers. Exchange will happen first and then the completion date will be confirmed.

I hope this is clear. Perhaps you could call your solicitor to see how things are and suggested a completion date to him.

We're due to exchange any day now, however it's taking 1 or 2 calls a day to our EA - it's exhausting

dprovan

Hi,

Im also at the same stage, and it is really strange, I am hoping that everyone is working feverishly in the background but am always suspicious.

Jenny, I was interested that you are on to EA so often, it made me think.... Should I be doing the same? If you don't mind me asking what are you chasing them about?? I only ask because I fear Im being too compliant....

KTJ_2

dprovan wrote:

Jenny, I was interested that you are on to EA so often, it made me think.... Should I be doing the same?

....I was just thinking exactly the same thing. Its made me think im not being pro active enough.

WestonDave

Never mind the estate agents - talk to the other people! (Unless you really don't get on). We had details from the EA on both sale and purchase that included the phone numbers of the buyer and seller so we've used them to set the agenda on the dates - do it nicely - find out if they have any dates they need to avoid and then choose and suggest it. They are probably equally unsure and will be happy to have an informal chat about it.

If you get to choose - remember removals are more expensive on a Friday (and possibly a Thursday - Pickfords!) and are usually busier, also the banking system is busier on a Friday which can lead to money moving slower up the chain. If you can avoid the 25th August do so as its the Friday of bank holiday weekend and one of the last Fridays of the school holidays which experience shows will be manic.

Jorgan_2

No harm in putting in calls to the EA, its really the solicitor you need to put the pressure on.

money_savy

I would suggest you speak to your buyer/sellers directly (if possible). It worked for me ...
All the best..

saxman

money_savy wrote:

I would suggest you speak to your buyer/sellers directly (if possible). It worked for me ...
All the best..

Agreed. It's the quickest way to get things moving. The EAs just act as a go-between between vendors/purchasers.
If both parties chase their solicitors regularly, things will happen much quicker.
I always return any paperwork the day I receive it and if necessary, drive it to my solicitor and collect things direct. Very useful to have a local friendly solicitor.
If you just leave alone and assume things are being done with haste, then you're in for a long wait!

K

goldbyron

Yes I agree, you need to chase the solicitors and get the EA to do the same. I am a bit cheeky and actually chase solicitors in the chain which you aren't meant to do. However it can work. Solicitors seem to have this golden rule that communication is limited and to leave each other alone. However I find this means your case is put to the bottom of the pile. Bug them until they get the job done! The EA is good as putting extra pressure on and keeping communication between all parties open. Watch out for EA's that can stir too! You need to be pro-active. It is incredibly stressful and emotionally consuming but it gets things moving!