I finally exchanged - hasn't sunk in...

goldbyron

Well after 5 long months I have finally exchanged on my house sale yesterday afternoon. I was so relieved. I am still in anxiety mode although I am no longer checking my phone every 5 minutes or refreshing my mail screen. Think it will take a while to realise the wait is over. My sleeping and eating pattern is all over the place but it can only get better now!

I first posted on here last year (I think) as my ex was refusing to sell the home we had. My ex was living in it and I had been at my parents for a year. My ex was threatening towards myself and theirself if I did anything. I was very anxious and couldn't see a resolution as my ex refused to allow me to rent out a room (3 bed house) or even drop to an interest only mortgage.

However with the help of people on here - they made me see I had to involve the legal system to force a solution. I did this in January this year and went to a solicitor. It took 4 months to gain an agreement and we were an the verge of an application to court. I agreed to pay all the selling costs and give my ex an additional sum of money (1k, originally my ex wanted 10k!). I am not well off and I am 13 years younger than my ex, needless to point out I do not have more disposable income. After a long 4 months and solicitors fees (how much!!!) it was agreed to put it on the market. We agreed to sell asap and in return I agreed to not enter the house in this time without my ex's permission (yes my ex is very controlling).

We had an offer within 2 weeks (5k under the asking price) and we started the process. Our sale proceeded quickly and was ready in July. However my ex then refused to exchange stating they wanted to tie in a property. This was not part of the agreement however I agreed (!).

My ex's solicitor was terrible - so slow and inefficient and it took until yesterday to exchange. Over the last few weeks my ex managed to show their true colours and fell out with the solicitor, the EA, their best friend and brother - all trying to help her! My ex's friend took over and got it all sorted. I also developed a reasonably good relationship with my exs solicitor and the EA by phone and they kept me informed.

Anyway its nearly over now - completing on the 12/10/2006. My new life. I am now 2 months into buying my own flat which I haven't even been able to concentrate on! The offer, survey and searches have been completed and only legal enquiries outstanding. However as I am now the bottom of the chain and without paying any mortgage (in 4 weeks time) I am not as stressed about this one! I also know the vendor personally so this helps.

I will get my stuff out of my house next weekend - my ex will be there and was already trying to dictate yesterday when I should come. At the end of the day this has been 2 long years and if I don't get my stuff as least I still have my sanity - just!

Thank you everyone for your advice. I hope I can return the favour. I will of course be moaning no doubt about my new chain but at least it just involves my decisions! I just hope nothing can go wrong between now and completion - and I will be incredibly happy.

lynzpower

All the best goldbyron, sounds like you have been right through the mill

Is it too early for a celebratory :beer: ?

JennyW_2

Congrats! :beer:

I was like you, still worried after we had exchanged but I think this is natural due to all the anxiety and pressure. You just cant turn it all off overnight! you'll feel more relaxed in a few days (and after a couple of drinks).