FTB...bit stuck!

lmac22

We signed the contract on our house two weeks ago and our solicitor asked us when we would like to exchange and complete (this is happening on the same day). We gave the date of 25th August which at the time of signing was three weeks away.

Solicitor advised us that she would contact the sellers solicitor with this date and get back to us.

We have heard nothing at all since. We called our solicitor monday just gone and asked what was happening, she basically said she had heard nothing yet and seen as it had only been a week since we had signed she didn't expect to hear anything so soonand we would just have to wait.

So what shall we do? We are now obviously assuming our date of 25th August will not be happening but would like some info on what exactly is going on eg what stage are the sellers are at, time scales for exchange etc?

Are we being unreasonable and should we just sit tight and wait or should we be bugging our solicitor?

Cara79

Hi there

Why are you wanting to exchange & complete on the same day?

Personally I would not be too happy with exchanging and completing on the same day, especially on 25 Aug as it is so close!

What if you were renting and had to give a month's notice?

Personally I would keep contacting the solicitor to find out where the sellers are in the process. Until contracts are exchanged, you are legally not entitled to the property.

Good luck

lmac22

When we signed the solicitor advised we would be exchanging and completeing on the same day. As we are clueless(!) FTBers we didn't dispute it.

When we signed the contract (3weeks ago) completeing on the 25th Aug gave us plenty of time but not now.

Just feel we are being fobbed off by our solictor and have no clue at all what happens next!

Cara79

As you are FTB's, it's probably not too much of an issue exchanging & completing on the same day. I don't understand though, if you signed the contract about 3 weeks ago, why the exchange didn't happen then and then the completion date is set.

When I bought mine, I exchanged in Sept and moved in October, so there was about 3 or 4 weeks between.

I would talk to your solicitor. I'm amazed that you signed the contract 3 weeks ago, but you've not yet exchanged. You will also need to let your solicitor have funds (the deposit) so they can exchange. Has your solicitor mentioned this, as this could take a few days to clear also?

On another point, presumably you've arranged a mortgage, in which case your solicitor will also need to apply for funds, and I understand you have to apply for funds a week before.

I'm sure someone else will be along soon to help.

I really would advise pressuring your solicitor. Find out if the exchange can happen on 25 Aug if not earlier and set a completion date for the following week.

It seems strange that the sellers are holding up exchange and completion - unless of course they're in a chain?

lmac22

The sellers are in a chain, buying off comeone who is moving into a new build.

We understand that because of this we will have to negotiate a completeion date to suite everyone but for the past two weeks there has been NO communication let alone negotiation of a completion date. We are willing to negotiate but we can't if there is no communication.

When we speak to our solicitor its like she doesn't want to know. Would the sellers estate agent be able to shed any light or is it not really anything to do with them?

Cara79

That's good thinking, speak to the Estate Agents. Until there's an exchange and completion, they don't get their money. They should also have a good idea of the chain and *should* know what is going on.

Just remember the solicitor works for you and is being paid by you!

I suspect it is something to do with the chain then, but communication from your solicitor is required.

Speak to the EA in the first instance and see how you get on. Come back and let us know what was said.

Cx

huki

You really need to get your EA to hassle your solicitor for info. They can also ring the solicitor above you in the chain for info to find out what is happening.
We have had to do this on a regular basis to get our purchase speeded up. My solicitor has been good but its the solicitor of our vendor that has been a pain in the backside.
Dont let things drag on as a couple of days can easily see another week go by with no progress. Its your money paying these guys, make em work for it!! We have.

UK007BullDog

May I just but in with one little bit of info.

If you have sourced and are paying for the solicitor than they work for you.

If the lender is paying the solicitor they tend to be more working for the lender. In that case they tend to be very uncooperative.