Our Solicitors are useless

aReallyNiceGuy

Seller Solicitors are really in to the job. but  our are really slow and annoying. Several times I tried to communicate with him, but it is impossible. More than once I got a reply saying that he was busy and promising that he would call me the next day with an update, but he didn't.

as far as I know all the searches are done is just he need some clarifications about the service charges in the development I'm buying the flat.

I'm seriously considering changing solicitors. Anybody have an experience with that? seems that everything is almost done in my case, there is any chance that the next solicitor will continue the work from the previous one and finish it with in 2 weeks? 

princeofpounds

The enquiries about service charges may go out to a third party, i.e. the freeholder, who operates to their own timeline and is not under anyone's direct control. If enquiries are outstanding, your solicitor cannot progress your transaction, nor are they at fault.

No, changing solicitor will not get the job done in two weeks. 

I appreciate his communication is awful - conveyancers don't have the best reputation for it, as they typically get paid for volume and not for client calls. They tend to take the attitude that it will get there in the end, so a week or two doesn't matter. 

aReallyNiceGuy

I can understand everything, but the lack of communication is the main problem here. At this point I'm assuming things because our solicitor don't update us in where we are and what's is going on. 

Tiglet2

Lack of communication is pretty common unfortunately.  Conveyancing solicitors are usually working hundreds of files at the same time, particularly those firms that offer fixed fees and/or no completion, no fee structures.  These firms don't factor "client updates" into their time and will usually only contact you when there is something they need from you or when there's an issue which needs your input.  Some of these firms have an online tracker, which is supposed to help manage your expectations by logging events onto it, so you can see the progress - doesn't help you though, if it is not updated regularly!

Changing solicitors will not help.  The transaction will be started again from the beginning because another solicitor will want to raise their own enquiries and not accept the ones the current solicitor has raised.  Leasehold transactions do take longer than freehold.  There has to be communication with the freeholder/managing agent which will add significant time.

If you are paying a LOT of money to your solicitor, then the service and contactability ought to be much better but sadly most people look for the cheapest conveyancing they can find - cheap is always a bad idea.

theartfullodger

Who chose your solicitors for you?  Talk to who made you take them.

Thrugelmir

Your solicitor is most likely working from home. Won't look at your file again until their admin support says there's something to be reviewed. 

movingon2020

Sorry to jump on this thread. We have the opposite issue - our conveyancer is responsive but buyer's is delaying matters. We were asked for a completion date at the beginning of October and we gave 30th. We were told everyone was ready and because we are breaking the chain and moving into short term rental, we were encouraged to move quickly and agreed. I was even chased for a signed contract on 5th October and left work early to sign and deliver it. We've still not exchanged and they are saying any day now but still expect us to keep to the completion date. Is it reasonable for us to say that we want 2 weeks between exchange and completion? I feel for the buyers, I know they are keen but their solicitor is terrible and has twice found an issue after saying she was ready to exchange! The first needed an amended mortgage offer and second was something to do with their sale. So frustrating. Also agent keeps telling us to get our solicitor to chase but I feel thats unfair. He is ready and also we are paying him a fraction of what the EA is getting! 

princeofpounds

Best to start you own thread if you want replies.

NameUnavailable

The freeholder is under no obligation to respond to any queries. Most do but there's nothing you or the seller can do to make them respond. This often results in no sale.