Buying and selling - timing!

Han86

Hi all

Just wanted some advice and hoping people on here can help. I have accepted an offer on my house and am looking to buy. I do not want to move until I have found somewhere new myself. The estate agents are begining to put on the pressure and I have received documents from the solicitor requiring my signature so it is all set up. I haven't moved before and just wanted to check whether this is normal? The solicitors are aware that I want to wait until I find somewhere but I am just worrying that if I sign a load of papers I will suddenly find dates being set.

If anyone could help clarify what happens when you are in a chain position I would appreciate it

Thanks for your help

cattie

You won't find dates being set without your agreement, but I think in your position I wouldn't be ready to instruct solicitor until I'd found somewhere. If you know the solicitor you are going to use, there is nothing wrong with giving the details to ea, but until you have signed forms your solicitor sends you and you pay the initial deposit, no legal work will begin.

go_cat

Talk to the EA and tell them you will not be continuing until you find somewhere that way they and your buyers are in the picture

mungobella

I believe that the initial steps of conveyancing for a sale involve things that will need to be done no matter who the buyer is (obtaining the title deed, filling out the fixtures and fittings form, etc) I'm not sure why you wouldn't want these taken care of if you know you are selling. As cattie says, completion dates won't be set without your input.

Keep in mind, too, that while you are free to wait until you find a place to send in your paperwork, the buyer is free to withdraw their offer. I believe you have a strong incentive to keep them satisfied by moving the paperwork along.

G_M

There is no point instrucing your solicitor till you are ready. It might take you months to find somewhere. You might lose your buyer - or give up and change your mind.

But make sure all parties (your solicitor, the EA, your buyer) know you are doing nothing till you find somewhere.

Of course, your buyer might then start looking elswhere and withdraw his offer - that is a risk you have to take. The alternative is to move in with family/friends or rent somewhere.