Solicitor away and completion day

cross_lips

Hi all. I have been reading these posts for a couple of months now there is some great advice on here and amazingly I can associate with most on the frustration of the house buying process

I am a FTB and have just signed and returned the contracts:j with a view to completing next friday 30th March however, phoned up today to talk to my solicitor to see if this date is set in stone and about getting the deposit to them (this has not been requested as yet) as i have umpteen things to do. I got told that my solicitor is on leave and could I call back to her secretary this afternoon for an update as she is busy opening and dealing with the morning post .

Can anyone tell me if they know is it likely that my file will just sit there for the rest of this week or whether there is actually anyone there who will assist and continue to deal with my file while sol is on leave. Also what are the chances that this is likely to delay my day of completion.

Would appreciate any feedback even if it is just to lift my spirits a bit.

Tiger_greeneyes

Hi cross lips.

Unfortunately you'll have to ask your solicitors secretary about whether someone else will deal with your purchase while your solicitor's away.

No completion date is set in stone until you exchange contracts. You can't exchange contracts until your solicitor has your deposit.

I think your wish to complete on 30th is a little optimistic (sorry) although it could probably be done if everyone in the chain was adamant that it had to be that date.

In my experience, this part of the process is particularly difficult as you're juggling loads of issues. I know it's stressful but unless it's life or death that you absolutely have to complete on that date, then try not to fret - it will still happen, but in it's own time

JennyW_2

until you exchange, a completion date cannot be set. On the day you exchange, the solicitors will speak to each other and agree a completion date. I too think the 30th is a little optimistic now but it sounds as if you're nearly there.

As for the solicitor being away, the file can be left with a colleague to deal with. This happened in our chain and there were no problems.

Tiger_greeneyes

JennyW wrote: »

As for the solicitor being away, the file can be left with a colleague to deal with. This happened in our chain and there were no problems.

That's always happened with me, too.

However, if your solicitor is a one-man-band then it could be a different story.

wnb

My solicitor went on the hols and her colleague took the job over till she got back.

cross_lips

Thankyou for your replies. Just as everything has been going so smoothly low and behold got a call from the EA. There are 3 of us in a chain the top of the chain want to complete on the 28th (because they are going on holiday) The date is not a problem with me or the person i am buying from. But the second in chain is worried they are going to loose the house they are buying if they do not complete on this day.

As for myself I am pulling my hair out :mad: because even if i sent a cheque today for the deposit it would not clear until the 28th. So as it stands waiting for a call from the person who is dealing with my file to see if there is an alternative way of paying to speed it up

Is the new date to complete realistic and can it be done?

betti911

I'm a solicitor in Scotland. Don't know much about the English system but quite frequently when I'm away/at court I leave files with my paralegal who is experienced and more than capable to see to things in my absence. I would deal with the secretary at the moment.

Did you solicitor not explain what could happen when you instructed him/her?

Bergaspeed

Our solicitor has a Team who deal with things for her.

We also wish to complete next week as we have to be our of our rented house by 31st at the very latest. However the sols are waiting for the vendors sols to answer some questions and they keep asking me for things I have already sent them ie proof of ID and signatures in my maiden name (we have only just got married, so a lot of things havent been changed from my maiden name yet like my passport).
Hve been onto the EA, who has been excellent, and she is going chase the vendors sols up for me

We are FTB's buying an empty house, it should have been straight forward.

cross_lips

I have found the whole process really frustrating and the last 24 hours have ben really stressful. Well as it stands i am due to complete on the 28th!!!!!

Believe it when i see it and have the keys

Thanks to all for your replies. Roll on Wednesday next week