Buyer's solicitor has "questions" re: survey result

SilkBlossom

I'm a first-time seller, and I must have worst luck as one.

My buyer has received the survey result last Friday, her solicitor has the deposit & signed contract ready for exchanging it. I was hoping to exchange it all today but no, now the buyer's solicitor has "questions" after reading the survery result.

Is this a common thing, and what kind of questions tends to be asked? If anyone has similar experience and could tell me about it or give expert view, I would appriciate it greatly.

Estate agent says it's nothing to worry about, but I am VERY worried! House if in good order, nothing happened or done to weaken it. So I don't understand why the buyer's solicitor is doing this, especially as both buyer and I are very anxious to exchange asap.

MegaMiniMouse

SilkBlossom wrote: »

I'm a first-time seller, and I must have worst luck as one.

My buyer has received the survey result last Friday, her solicitor has the deposit & signed contract ready for exchanging it. I was hoping to exchange it all today but no, now the buyer's solicitor has "questions" after reading the survery result.

Is this a common thing, and what kind of questions tends to be asked? If anyone has similar experience and could tell me about it or give expert view, I would appriciate it greatly.

Estate agent says it's nothing to worry about, but I am VERY worried! House if in good order, nothing happened or done to weaken it. So I don't understand why the buyer's solicitor is doing this, especially as both buyer and I are very anxious to exchange asap.

This is typical of the cloak of mystery which solicitors like to throw over their activities in order to justify their fees

You are entitled to know exactly what questions are being asked, but I'll bet you will never find out

MMM

kingstreet

Your buyer's solicitor's questions will be put to your solicitor for your solicitor to answer in writing. These may concern alterations, repairs or improvements made to your property which the buyer's solicitor has been asked to clarify were correctly documented when they were done.

They may have been done prior to your ownership and will be requested simply for the protection of the buyer as happens in all purchases.

A good example would be;-

"there appears to have been a damp proof course installed, conveyancer to obtain confirmation thirty year insurance-backed guarantee applies."

So the buyer's lender makes sure the solicitor carries out the surveyor's request, as the buyer's solicitor is acting for them, as well as for the buyer.

Unlikely to be a major headache.

gratefulforhelp_2

There may also be questions about any modifications done to the house, and permissions for those.

MegaMiniMouse

SilkBlossom has either already provided answers to such questions, or will need to be contacted by his/her solicitor with full details of the outstanding questions

Why does SilkBlossom need to get on a forum like this in search of explanation?

MMM

SilkBlossom

it's because I am first time seller. It has been 5 months since I accepted offer and we *still* haven't exchanged. I don't have experience of selling house at all and all I get from my estate agent is "don't worry" - which makes me worry.

My question isn't all about wanting explanation; I also wanted to hear if other sellers may have same experience, if so why and what kind of questions were asked.

G_M

The buyer had a survey done, to protect himself. Naturally this may raise issues/questions which the surveyor himself was unable to answer. They may be routine, or significant. They may be quasi-legal (planning permission/Building Regs) or structural.

Either your solicitor will deal with them, or will ask you for clarification if he cannot. Until you know what the questions are, no one here can help you as we are not psychic.

The fact that

her solicitor has the deposit & signed contract ready for exchanging it.

is irrelevant. Handing over the cash and signed contract is just two of many steps in the process (survey is another!). Until ALL steps are completed Exchange will not take place.

MegaMiniMouse

SilkBlossom wrote: »

it's because I am first time seller. It has been 5 months since I accepted offer and we *still* haven't exchanged. I don't have experience of selling house at all and all I get from my estate agent is "don't worry" - which makes me worry.

My question isn't all about wanting explanation; I also wanted to hear if other sellers may have same experience, if so why and what kind of questions were asked.

If you and the buyer agreed terms 5 months ago, then how come the survey has only just been done?

I think your experience is entirely normal

MMM

catfish50

MegaMiniMouse wrote: »

SilkBlossom has either already provided answers to such questions, or will need to be contacted by his/her solicitor with full details of the outstanding questions

Why does SilkBlossom need to get on a forum like this in search of explanation?

Whyever not? It's a public forum and there are people at this minute asking far more pointless questions. Selling is stressful, esp. the first time you go through it.

OP, it may just be the normal "Questions before contract". If so, it doesn't mean anything's wrong. Ask your solicitor, not your estate agent. Don't start worrying until/unless your solicitor tells you there's a problem.

Often, when a sale is taking a long time to go through, it's simply due to the solicitors taking their sweet time about every single step.

sp1987

Ask your solicitor if you have questions. Estate agent will have as much clue as dale winton does on the condition of your house and your buyer's intentions unless he moonlights as a surveyor.

MegaMiniMouse

sp1987 wrote: »

Ask your solicitor if you have questions

Yes, try that, but don't hold your breath while you wait for a useful answer...

MMM