Seller's solicitor hasn't responded to mine since he contacted them five weeks ago

youth_leader

I instructed my solicitor for my purchase on 28 October. He emailed to tell me he hadn't received the contracts on 19 November. 
I emailed my EA, who emailed back on 20th to say they'd chase vendor's solicitor and vendor.
Last Saturday 28 November the EA phoned me at home, as she said she is on holiday this week.  She said she'd spoken to the vendor, who had told her she'd hand delivered her documents about five weeks ago.   The vendor  said someone had tested positive in her solicitor's office and it had closed down.  She was going ring her solicitor on Monday then phone the EA on Monday 30 November with an update. 

 I've just phoned the EA and she hasn't phoned, to date.  The EA said they would phone her solicitor yesterday and get back to me and didn't - and they haven't phoned me back yet today, either.  I've just had an email from my solicitor saying he still hasn't had any contact at all with the vendor's solicitor.
I remember someone on here posted that their buyer hadn't instructed their solicitor - I'm now wondering if I'm in the same situation.   Is there any way I can find out?   

princeofpounds

There is no definitive way to find out. However, given what you say and the timescales involved I think it's far more likely that there has been a problem in the vendor's solicitor's office. 

Chasing up via the EA (NOT 'your' EA - they work for the vendor!) is the right thing to do - they will want to see a sale as much as you do. I would give it another couple of days, but make another informal attempt to get through to them before the weekend.

If nothing, then write a firmer email saying that it has been 6 weeks with nothing from the vendor's solicitor, 1 week since you were promised clarifying information in a call that never arrived, and that you need to know the situation within 48 hours otherwise you'll have a decision to make about whether to start looking at other properties. 

That should get a response. If it doesn't then you know something is wrong and it's best to start viewing again.

In the meantime, tell your solicitor to hold pending further information (which is pretty much what they will do anyway).

Delays are not unusual in this game, and neither are delayed explanations. So you just have to work by what you think is reasonable and what isn't.

youth_leader

Thank you princeofpounds, I will take your advice.  I just have a horrible sinking feeling that she might pull out of the sale, she said she'd really miss the area about three times during the viewing.  I walk my dog past the property at night as the road has streetlights, her car has always been there.  I've really relaxed and would be devastated to have to start looking again, plus I've already had my survey done.  I'll be patient.

badger09

youth_leader said:

Thank you princeofpounds, I will take your advice.  I just have a horrible sinking feeling that she might pull out of the sale, she said she'd really miss the area about three times during the viewing.  I walk my dog past the property at night as the road has streetlights, her car has always been there.  I've really relaxed and would be devastated to have to start looking again, plus I've already had my survey done.  I'll be patient.

That is horrible for you, but if your solicitor has had absolutely no contact from the vendor's solicitor in 5 weeks, I think you're right to be concerned. 

As already suggested, I would contact the EA again and make it very clear you expect a meaningful update by - say Monday 7th, or you will look elsewhere. Be prepared to do so! I would also ring the solicitors' office and ask if they have had problems/been closed due to Covid. They might not tell you, but its worth a try.

youth_leader

Thank you everyone, I live on my own,  and as my kids were very against me selling the family home,  I can't discuss with them.

The vendor's EA has just phoned - she got a 'too busy to answer please phone back' message at the vendor's solicitor, my solicitor's phone just kept ringing, and as the vendor can't use her mobile at work, she has left a message on her home machine.  She has also looked at the vendor's solicitor's web site which doesn't mention being closed.  She said their HO have directed them to phone solicitors once a fortnight only during the pandemic as they are all so busy.   She reassured me she will continue to follow up.  I haven't had a drink for years, do feel like having one.

Thrugelmir

What's changed since your previous thread on the same topic? 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6219734/solicitors-office-closed-due-to-positive-covid-result/p1

Your vendor must have issues if they are planning to move to Scotland. 

youth_leader

Sorry Thrugelmir,  I should have updated my previous post, I won't do it again.