Can an estate agent directly chase the buyer’s solicitor?

Othmas

If a buyer has a solicitor who either doesn’t respond or replies “I will let you know soon” despite emails and calls every other day (with the same response), can the seller’s estate agent chase the buyer’s solicitor directly? It may add on extra pressure?

[Deleted User]

Theoretically, but you wouldn't want them to. That's your solicitor's job.

Surrey_EA

Absolutely, it's a key part of the role making sure the process between offer acceptance and exchange moves along at some reasonable pace.

Although in this case I wonder if there is any point with a solicitor who is not communicating very effectively with their own client.

princeofpounds

They can try, but it's fairly pointless. If the solicitor isn't being responsive to the buyer who is paying for their services and they have a legal duty to, why would they pay attention to an unrelated third party who they have no obligations towards?

If they want to apply pressure, the buyer should raise the possibility of a formal complaint regarding the poor communication. That may be less effective if the solicitor is one of the partners, but will often prompt a more meaningful response. 

Often the solicitors have an ok reason for not communicating - e.g. the necessary searches are just not back yet - but conveyancers are notorious for not updating clients well and taking the attitude that it will get there eventually, so don't worry too much about timescales. They get paid for volume, not holding hands. 

Surrey_EA

Deleted_User said:

Theoretically, but you wouldn't want them to. That's your solicitor's job.

I would say that genrally it is very common, and something that you absolutely want your estate agent to be doing.

The solicitors I speak to haven't got the time to be chasing up their opposite numbers all the time.

babyblade41

My agent always does it if it seems to be dragging ... it's why I always use them, very easy to. put an ad on RM but getting it across the line is a whole different ball game . He keeps the chain linked together along with a very good solicitor 

NameUnavailable

A good agent should be doing that anyway as part of their sstc 'sales progression' - we had a team dedicated to it and ensured that the communications were kept flowing as often delays are caused because somone along the line drops the ball. 

If the solicitor is stuck because they're just waiting on something along the line then the sales progessor would contact whoever up or down the chain to prompt them.

MaryNB

My seller's estate agent chases all three solicitors in the chain (he's acting for the middle of the chain). I'm happy for him to do all the chasing he needs to to keep things moving.

oniongirl

My seller's agent is chasing up the chain as well. They're definitely getting their money's worth. Mine ring me every 3+ weeks and just see if I can tell them what's going on. I would consider going with these agents next time as they do seem to keep everyone informed.

Thrugelmir

Estate Agent should also be in contact with the buyer.  You never know what their agenda is. Solicitors work for their own clients no one else. 

Mickey666

Anyone can chase anyone but it will have variable effectiveness.  After all, a solicitor is only answerable to their client.