Chasing up sols. for queries

ric1982

Hi,

Does anyone know if its good idea to chase up the progress of queries with my sol.? (the queries that one sol. writes to another). If yes then how often do you do that? Or should my sol. should reg. keep me posted?

I know sometimes other sol. are slow to respond to the queries or vendor's solicitor are slowed down by the vendor in order to slow the process (for some reason).

FTB, purchasing the house which is apparently chain free.

Thanks

Tiglet2

By all means chase your solicitor for any progress, but be aware that the vendors solicitor cannot respond until he's heard from the vendor or any other third parties with responses. If your solicitor is very busy, then they won't update you if there is no further progress on your file.

As an example, we are in the process of buying a property. We raised 21 enquiries (I work for a conveyancing solicitor) on 14th May. The EA keeps chasing us, the vendor is getting jumpy, but the fact remains that the vendor and/or his solicitor have not yet responded to any of our enquiries, even after us chasing. Until they do, we cannot move to the next stage.

victoriavictorious

It's often quicker and more productive (and possibly cheaper, if your solicitor isn't charging you a fixed fee) to contact the vendor's EA. They have direct access to everyone involved and it's not only their job to progress the sale, but it's also in their interests to do so to get their fee.
But I would be asking specific questions though and only when relevant, not just asking for vague updates.

davidmcn

It doesn't hurt anyone to ask for an update, but as above be realistic about how quickly they'll get responses. The EA is best-placed to do the chasing if the vendors are being slow.

kinger101

It's worth chasing up at least every two-three weeks. Particularly nearer exchange. Equally, you can get EAs to do this. Many will do this even when you're the buyer.

D_M_E

Also bear in mind that a lot of solicitors only allow you to talk to them - by phone, letter, email, whatever - a certain number of times and once that number has passed then their fees start rising, you get charged for every extra communication.

Another vote for pestering the EA and make them earn their fee.

ric1982

All good advise. Thanks everyone.