Buyers threatening to pull out - our solictor useless

Elspeth83

Got an offer on our house 3 months ago, cash buyer. We found a house quickly and offer all accepted, had a few hold ups due to bad survey on the house we're buying but got price reduced.

Basically received a call today saying buyer is thinking of pulling out as it's taking too long - we don't think they're just trying to scare us.

Our solicitor has been awful, we only ever get to talk to their assistant, they won't give us clear information and they have outright lied to use about other things. We are waiting on some enquiries (everything else is okay - so they say) but they won't tell us what they are or anything.

We've told them that the buyer might pull out but they don't care. Our estate agent keeps having a go at us for having useless solicitors our vendors estate agent is chasing everyone and we feel helpless.

Is there anything else we can do? if this falls through because of waiting on an enquiry....

libf

The solicitor should have given you the details of their supervisor when they first took your case. Ask them to make sure the matter is progressed and/or make a formal complaint.

eddddy

You could be right about your solicitor.

But equally, many EAs just phone everyone and randomly say "The delays are your fault - you (or your solicitors) are holding everyone up."

Every time I buy or sell, an EA, vendor or buyer tells me my solicitors are holding everything up. When I investigate, it's never been true. (Although I generally use solicitors who come with personal recommendations.)

EAs have also told me that buyers are on the verge of backing out - so I contact the buyers direct, and it's never true.


If you're not in direct contact with your buyer, it might be worth contacting them - just to reassure them, and to find out if they really are worried.

Hoploz

I would be calling in to my solicitor and asking to see my file and the current state of play.

I assume your solicitor is local and you can do this? Otherwise you've got a problem if they cannot tell you over the phone where you are on it.

richy999

Are you able to talk to the buyer directly?
Perhaps if you are able to let them know about the issues you are having with your solicitor and that you are doing everything you can from your end to speed things up, it might take some wind out of their sails.

I have been in contact with our buyers, via e-mail, since accepting their offer. We've kept each other updated on our progress. Our sellers, however, have only communicated via their ponderous and inept solicitors which has been frustrating and led to nasty exchanges towards the end. Thankfully we are completing on Friday but it was touch and go at points.

Elspeth83

Unfortunately we don't have direct contact with the buyer, just her name and address.

After a bit of pushing we got them to email us some of the stuff that we need to sign (they said they posted it to us last week...) Both the TR1 forms for the sale and purchase have errors on them. So not looking good.

Our buyers have said they want to complete by next week at the latest.

Our solicitor is about a 45min drive away the other two are very local. Dose anyone know if we would be able to take signed TR1 forms (once amended with correct details!) directly to the buyers and sellers solicitor or does it have to go back to ours first for any reason?

AdrianC

Elspeth83 wrote: »

Unfortunately we don't have direct contact with the buyer, just her name and address.

Then you have direct contact. Write a letter to them.

DaftyDuck

AdrianC wrote: »

Then you have direct contact. Write a letter to them.

Unless you are experienced in house buying and selling, oI would really not do this, not unless it is a last resort. Go through the solicitor first, then your estate agent in preference. So, is your solicitor really useless? They often come across as such, but that's not always the case. You can instruct your solicitor to do things in a timely manner, and ask them to keep you appraised of where things stand. You can do the chasing too, by contacting your solicitor once a week (Thursday is quite a good day, not Mon or Friday in my experience), asking what progress has been made in the last week, and what is expected in the next week. If expected progress isn't made, ask exactly why not.

m0bov

You can change your Sol, get the file sent over to a new Sol, make sure you inform your new Sol of time scale and whether they can take on the work.

Hoploz

I would not give stuff directly to other solicitors - it needs to be checked over by your solicitor, and sent as part of the contract pack all at the same time.

Having said that, if things really go to the wire, you could offer to collect paperwork yourself from your solicitor and deliver it in person. Still not sure they'd like that though tbh.

Marktheshark

Inform them as agents they are both getting the sack unless they buck ideas up.