Really need advice.

7426kaz

Hello, as I am a ftb I really need some advise. So I have just recieved a welcome pack from solicitors I have chosen. Inside this it says I must complete a firm which I will so, it also asks for some form of ID such as passport and proof of address and to send payment for searches they will carry out.

So I just wanted to know do I need to send actual docs or can I send photocopies of ID and also do I have to pay for the search fees now or can I at end?

Any help would be really appreciated.

vw100

Normally a clear photocopy of the your ID documents are sufficient, along with other proofs such as Bank Statements. As for paying for searches, each solictors firm may have their own way of doing things, but normally they would want some money upfront to open the case and start the process up and running. They then deduct this amount at the end from their total costs and ask you for the reminder balance.

Laurensalive

Personally I would take in my passport and let the solicitors see it. Then they can take there own copy. Mine wanted to see the actual passport.

7426kaz

I will be posting my docs as they are not that close, so I wouldn't really be able to go to thier office and show originals.

Malmo

Pay the on account fee (to commence work on local searches) when:

1) you have a full mortgage offer approved and
2) the chain is fully formed

The searches need to be completed before you exchange contracts.

7426kaz

Hi,
I haven't had a mortgage offer approved yet and there is no chain, however in the letter it stated what I need to do for them to act and that would have to be this initial disbursement for search fees paid along with other form I filled in.

Malmo

Searches cannot be requested anyway until your solicitor receives the draft contract with the title plan from the vendor's solicitor. Has this step at least been done?
You don't need to pay out yet for the searches. You should wait until a mortgage offer is confirmed and you are happy with the homebuyer's or building survey, in order to minimise any risk of wasting money in the event that you aren't able to or don't want to proceed.
Once your solicitor receives the draft contract pack from the vendor's solicitor, they will commence work on pre-contract enquiries, so they won't be without anything to do.
Bear in mind that your legal representative works for you and acts on YOUR instructions.

7426kaz

Thank you what you are saying def make sense and the best thing to do nothing by them has been done yet as they want me to instruct them first through form etc

Malmo

By all means, complete, sign and return the purchase instruction form, but my suggestion would be to withhold the on-account fee until the appropriate time. Just clearly communicate what your intention is, so that they are clear.