I'm unsure as to where my vendor is regarding finding a property.

Magicaltrev

Evening all.. I would appreciate any advice regarding my situation currently, I'm no expert in the buying process, this being the first time I've actually bought a house from an owner. (Previously I've bought via a builder assisted sale)

In short I had an offer accepted on the house we are wanting to buy. I'm fairly certain the owners are separating. My offer on the property was conditional that they removed the property from the market immediately(which they did) furthermore I made them aware that we are relaxed about timescales.. we dont mind if it takes them some time to find their home, theres no pressure, as our offer was accepted the day after they listed it.

We have received documents describing the details of sale, price, current owners details etc from the estate agent.

Fast forward 3 weeks. I haven't heard anything since. Now I'm not overly worried as I can understand that many wont find their next house in a week or two. My main question is really.. How will I know when the vendor has actually found a property, and if they have started instructing solicitors and having searches done? I was wanting to have my side of the purchase wrapped up as much as possible so that theres no delay on my part. Is it as simple as calling the estate agent? Would they know this information? Would they have to call the vendor and ask them? If this is the case, then that's fine, although I'm wary of coming across as pushy, when I explained I am happy to be patient.

Any help is much appreciated
Thanks

eddddy

Magicaltrev wrote: »

My main question is really.. How will I know when the vendor has actually found a property, and if they have started instructing solicitors and having searches done? I was wanting to have my side of the purchase wrapped up as much as possible so that theres no delay on my part. Is it as simple as calling the estate agent? Would they know this information? Would they have to call the vendor and ask them?

A good estate agent will 'progress the sale'.

i.e They will keep in touch with what's going on at every link in the chain, keep everyone informed, and 'push' people when necessary.

Estate Agents usually do this because they get paid on completion - so they are keen for completion to happen, and reasonably soon.


However, if the Estate Agent was paid their fee upfront, they may not be so interested in 'progressing the sale'.

Magicaltrev

Thank you very much eddddy.

That makes perfect sense.
Do you feel it would be necessary to call the estate agents in the possibility of them being rather relaxed if they received their fees already.
Finally is there a general consensus as to contacting/visiting the vendor directly. The house is only a mile away.. I was considering dropping my number off at the house, incase they wanted to contact me at any point.

Thanks again!

eddddy

Definitely call the EA to ask about progress.

If they're a 'good' EA, they'll actively find out what's happening, and keep you informed.

If they're a 'bad' EA, they might sound disinterested and vague.


And some vendors are happy with direct contact, others prefer all communication to go via the EA.

Thrugelmir

Magicaltrev wrote: »

Fast forward 3 weeks. I haven't heard anything since. Now I'm not overly worried as I can understand that many wont find their next house in a week or two. s

I thought that you were relaxed about timescales. Even if they have found a property. Obtaining a mortgage takes time as well. Then there's their vendor to consider as well potentially.

sammyjammy

I would caution on letting your solicitor run on with doing conveyancing, if they don't find anything that could be wasted money. I would also pass this message on through their EA.