Scrupulous solicitor or red flags?

Section106

KatieDee wrote: »

Oh don't get me wrong, I see this as a huge plus point as opposed to an inconvenience, and our solicitor has been absolutely amazing so far. He responds quickly, has picked up on things that we wouldn't have even considered - I wouldn't change a thing about him.

Sorry, I meant my comment as a general remark, not about you. Some people just want a solicitor who does as they are told, rather than someone offering wise counsel. It is obvious you are in the latter group.

I think we've just had some bad luck with properties so far and my major concern was whether or not this could affect the sale. I understand that as a solicitor, he has to ensure that everything is covered not only for us, but also for the lender. My thoughts were that if the issues were quite serious and he had concerns, we might have to consider whether it is the right property for us. However, we had considered this initially when the vendor was giving mixed answers about the conversion, which has all turned out well, so I don't want to assume the worse and allow myself to get spooked, if it's just standard conveyancing!

It is good to assume the worst. But not good to get spooked. Assume the worst, then take professional advice on what the risks are and how they can be mitigated.

For example, if you assume the worst case, the retaining wall might have been damaged by the trees and turns out to be 100% your responsibility. Again, worst case it might have limited access and only via the neighbour's garden, meaning repair work has to be done by hand rather than using machines which could push the costs up to eye-wateringly high levels. Your job at the moment is to find out whether that is the case, and what it might cost. With that knowledge you can then decide to do a runner, or relax knowing that no problems should arise.

I don't think I'm cut out for house buying

You are asking sensible questions and looking for advice. You make a far better housebuyer than a lot of people do.

KatieDee

Section106 wrote: »

Sorry, I meant my comment as a general remark, not about you. Some people just want a solicitor who does as they are told, rather than someone offering wise counsel. It is obvious you are in the latter group.

It is good to assume the worst. But not good to get spooked. Assume the worst, then take professional advice on what the risks are and how they can be mitigated.

For example, if you assume the worst case, the retaining wall might have been damaged by the trees and turns out to be 100% your responsibility. Again, worst case it might have limited access and only via the neighbour's garden, meaning repair work has to be done by hand rather than using machines which could push the costs up to eye-wateringly high levels. Your job at the moment is to find out whether that is the case, and what it might cost. With that knowledge you can then decide to do a runner, or relax knowing that no problems should arise.

You are asking sensible questions and looking for advice. You make a far better housebuyer than a lot of people do.

Well, you are just wonderful And thank you again for taking the time to respond.

My solicitor responded to my email being very reassuring, explaining all about the indemnity insurance and the various options available to us. He said he definitely doesn't consider it to be anything that could threaten the purchase but as you said, it's his job to point out these issues so we can prepare ourselves the best we can.

We've arranged to view the property again on Sunday, which will allow me to speak to the vendor directly about the smaller issues, and also gives us a few days to consider the information before meeting with our solicitor face to face. It doesn't seem as terrifyingly scary anymore and I feel far more confident about it all. I'm a bit concerned about the costs associated with another surveyor for the wall, as well as a gas check/electric check/asbestos checks which we're being told should be done, but that's another story entirely :rotfl:

Fingers crossed this will all be easy to sort.