How often do you want/expect solicitor updates?

jazzyja

pluto261 said:

I'm also new to this, but not quite as new as you (offer accepted and solicitors instructed in mid-May) so I'll tell you what I've learned over the last couple of months.

Basically, on the pay scale of lawyer services, conveyancing is very very very cheap. So conveyancers make money by having 120-140 conveyancing cases open at any given time. There's only actually about three hours of work involved for each case, but the volume of them means that they're basically doing stuff on a conveyer belt system and updating clients is extremely low on their list of priorities. 

Dealing with chaser calls and emails is time-consuming and conveyancers hate doing it. But they're also not proactive about sending you updates (unless you get really lucky with your conveyancer), because from their perspective it's not important for the client to know what's going on. The closest thing you'll get to updates is when your conveyancer needs something from you, like a signature on a document or an answer to a question.

Basically the whole system is kind of broken, and it's one of the reasons why house buying takes so long in the UK and sales break down so often. Surveys have found that the majority of homebuyers would not recommend their conveyancer or use them a second time, and the #1 complaint about conveyancers is how bad they are at communication.

TL;dr Don't expect any solicitor updates at all unless there's something she needs from you. Chase via phone or email once a week (not Friday, that's their busiest day). She'll hate it, but it's the only way to know what's going on.

This is really useful, thankyou very much! 

AdrianC

jazzyja said:

AdrianC said:

jazzyja said:

OK, so I'm completely new to all this so I've no idea what to expect when waiting for solicitors. I instructed on the 22nd june and asked for all searches to start ASAP. My mortgage offer is in place and survey done etc so literally just waiting for solicitor (I understand they are taking longer at the minute). So I just emailed yesterday to ask where we're at really as I've not heard that searches have been started and I haven't paid any money (I assumed I would pay something to get going, turns out not). Solicitor emailed back basically saying I said ASAP....so searches have started. ...but I expected to be told this really? And what searches? Like what order do they do them? I dont even want to email her back, she's quite a fierce woman, very good reputation but can tell she's 100% been a witch in a past life. 

I dont want to keep pestering but would like to be kept informed really....is that too much to ask? Given the current climate. Like I say this is all new to me. Will she tell me the result of each search or will it be a matter of getting in contact when ready to exchange?? Thanks 

Woah up! You instructed nine working days ago. Expect comms when there's something to report. You are in this for a few months, not a couple of weeks.

Have they even had the draft contracts through from the vendor yet?

Have you REALLY got your mortgage offer, or just an AiP?

I expected her to at the very least say she's started searches yes.

Yes I do have my actual mortgage offer and yes I am fully expecting it to take months. I never said I was expecting weeks. My question is simply how do they usually communicate. Am I just waiting 3-4 months and shel contact. 

There's no point starting searches until the draft contract's been received.

Has it?

If you've only just instructed your solicitor last week, then the memorandum of sale can only just have gone out - so the vendor's solicitor is probably working with the vendor at the moment to put that draft contract together.

jazzyja

Can I just say (I mean I was expecting it reading half the replies on this forum anyway) that I fully understand it takes a long time! Shes told me I will be waiting more than 3 months. I get that. What I wanted to know is what to expect in regards to communication and at what stage are things usually done at. I mean documents from vendors etc I didnt know any of that, hence why I am asking as I'm new I've no idea. I dont need a lecture on pestering. I've emailed her once just to see is she's even started or what I dont know! 
Me and vendor and chain free. What I mean when I say all I'm waiting for is solicitor side is that my mortgage offer is in place and the survey has been done so right now I personally don't have much to do other than wait.

Thankyou for the replies 

jazzyja

AdrianC said:

jazzyja said:

AdrianC said:

jazzyja said:

OK, so I'm completely new to all this so I've no idea what to expect when waiting for solicitors. I instructed on the 22nd june and asked for all searches to start ASAP. My mortgage offer is in place and survey done etc so literally just waiting for solicitor (I understand they are taking longer at the minute). So I just emailed yesterday to ask where we're at really as I've not heard that searches have been started and I haven't paid any money (I assumed I would pay something to get going, turns out not). Solicitor emailed back basically saying I said ASAP....so searches have started. ...but I expected to be told this really? And what searches? Like what order do they do them? I dont even want to email her back, she's quite a fierce woman, very good reputation but can tell she's 100% been a witch in a past life. 

I dont want to keep pestering but would like to be kept informed really....is that too much to ask? Given the current climate. Like I say this is all new to me. Will she tell me the result of each search or will it be a matter of getting in contact when ready to exchange?? Thanks 

Woah up! You instructed nine working days ago. Expect comms when there's something to report. You are in this for a few months, not a couple of weeks.

Have they even had the draft contracts through from the vendor yet?

Have you REALLY got your mortgage offer, or just an AiP?

I expected her to at the very least say she's started searches yes.

Yes I do have my actual mortgage offer and yes I am fully expecting it to take months. I never said I was expecting weeks. My question is simply how do they usually communicate. Am I just waiting 3-4 months and shel contact. 

There's no point starting searches until the draft contract's been received.

Has it?

If you've only just instructed your solicitor last week, then the memorandum of sale can only just have gone out - so the vendor's solicitor is probably working with the vendor at the moment to put that draft contract together.

I got a memorandum of sale ages ago....like a month ago. 

If she'd of said all this that would of been fine but shes said...her exact words..."you said ASAP on the 22nd june so that's when it took place"....so not entirely sure what she means. I mean I know its probably been said a million times but I'd just like to be in the loop or explained what is going to happen. 

jazzyja

Oh and the fact I haven't paid her any money, was expecting to pay something at least to get the initial searches done. But my friend who used her said he didn't pay anything till exchange so....that answers that I suppose 

Tiglet2

@jazzyja This is a rough guide to buying a property - might help you understand the steps towards property ownership.  Note though that I have listed "carries out the necessary searches" at point 6, which is generally after the draft contract pack has been received.  The vendor needs to complete/return some of the forms included in the draft contract pack, so there will be a delay while the vendor's solicitor gathers the documents that form part of the pack.  It is more usual that you would have to pay over some funds to your solicitor in advance of ordering the searches, but maybe your solicitor does things differently.

1.   Buyer makes an offer on the property, which is accepted by the seller.

2.   Buyer’s Conveyancer instructed on acceptance of the offer.

3.   Buyer arranges a survey on the property, and makes an application for a mortgage (if required).

4.   Buyer’s Conveyancer confirms instructions by letter setting out the terms of business and fixed fee costs.

5.   Buyer’s Conveyancer contacts the seller’s Conveyancer to obtain the contract pack.

6.   Buyers Conveyancer checks the contract pack, raises pre-contract enquiries, carries out the necessary searches and obtains a copy of the mortgage offer.

7.   Sellers’ Conveyancer and seller answer pre-contract enquiries and return these to buyer’s Conveyancer.

8.   Buyer’s Conveyancer reviews and reports to the buyer on the contents of the contract pack, pre-contract enquiries, the result of the searches and mortgage offer. The buyer then considers this report and raises questions on anything that is unclear.

9.   When the buyer is happy to proceed, arrangements are made for the deposit to be paid to the buyer’s Conveyancer in readiness for exchange of contracts.

10.  Seller and buyer agree on a completion date and contracts are formally “exchanged” - meaning both parties are legally committed to the transaction.

11.   Buyer’s Conveyancer prepares a draft transfer deed and completion information form and sends these to the seller’s Conveyancer for completion.

12.   Seller’s solicitor approves the draft transfer deed and a final copy is made. This may need to be signed by the buyer before being sent to the seller’s solicitor for signature by the seller in readiness for completion.

13.    Buyer’s Conveyancer prepares a completion statement, carries out pre-completion searches and applies to the buyer’s mortgage lender for the mortgage loan.

14.   On completion, the seller vacates the property by the agreed time and buyer’s Conveyancer sends the proceeds of sale to the seller’s Conveyancer.

15.   Seller’s Conveyancer releases the keys to the estate agent (if one was used) and sends the title deeds and transfer deed to the buyer’s Conveyancer together with an undertaking to repay any existing mortgage.

16.   Buyer’s Conveyancer sends the stamp duty payable to HMRC, receives the title deeds, transfer deed and proof that the seller has paid the outstanding mortgage on the property.

17.   Buyer’s Conveyancer registers the property in the name of the buyer at The Land Registry.

Hope the above helps.

AdrianC

jazzyja said:

AdrianC said:

If you've only just instructed your solicitor last week, then the memorandum of sale can only just have gone out - so the vendor's solicitor is probably working with the vendor at the moment to put that draft contract together.

I got a memorandum of sale ages ago....like a month ago. 

...for which you submitted your solicitor's details, right?

Tiglet2

jazzyja said:

AdrianC said:

jazzyja said:

AdrianC said:

jazzyja said:

OK, so I'm completely new to all this so I've no idea what to expect when waiting for solicitors. I instructed on the 22nd june and asked for all searches to start ASAP. My mortgage offer is in place and survey done etc so literally just waiting for solicitor (I understand they are taking longer at the minute). So I just emailed yesterday to ask where we're at really as I've not heard that searches have been started and I haven't paid any money (I assumed I would pay something to get going, turns out not). Solicitor emailed back basically saying I said ASAP....so searches have started. ...but I expected to be told this really? And what searches? Like what order do they do them? I dont even want to email her back, she's quite a fierce woman, very good reputation but can tell she's 100% been a witch in a past life. 

I dont want to keep pestering but would like to be kept informed really....is that too much to ask? Given the current climate. Like I say this is all new to me. Will she tell me the result of each search or will it be a matter of getting in contact when ready to exchange?? Thanks 

Woah up! You instructed nine working days ago. Expect comms when there's something to report. You are in this for a few months, not a couple of weeks.

Have they even had the draft contracts through from the vendor yet?

Have you REALLY got your mortgage offer, or just an AiP?

I expected her to at the very least say she's started searches yes.

Yes I do have my actual mortgage offer and yes I am fully expecting it to take months. I never said I was expecting weeks. My question is simply how do they usually communicate. Am I just waiting 3-4 months and shel contact. 

There's no point starting searches until the draft contract's been received.

Has it?

If you've only just instructed your solicitor last week, then the memorandum of sale can only just have gone out - so the vendor's solicitor is probably working with the vendor at the moment to put that draft contract together.

I got a memorandum of sale ages ago....like a month ago. 

How did the EA know what solicitor details to put on the memorandum of sale, if you only instructed them on 22nd June?

jazzyja

Tiglet2 said:

@jazzyja This is a rough guide to buying a property - might help you understand the steps towards property ownership.  Note though that I have listed "carries out the necessary searches" at point 6, which is generally after the draft contract pack has been received.  The vendor needs to complete/return some of the forms included in the draft contract pack, so there will be a delay while the vendor's solicitor gathers the documents that form part of the pack.  It is more usual that you would have to pay over some funds to your solicitor in advance of ordering the searches, but maybe your solicitor does things differently.

1.   Buyer makes an offer on the property, which is accepted by the seller.

2.   Buyer’s Conveyancer instructed on acceptance of the offer.

3.   Buyer arranges a survey on the property, and makes an application for a mortgage (if required).

4.   Buyer’s Conveyancer confirms instructions by letter setting out the terms of business and fixed fee costs.

5.   Buyer’s Conveyancer contacts the seller’s Conveyancer to obtain the contract pack.

6.   Buyers Conveyancer checks the contract pack, raises pre-contract enquiries, carries out the necessary searches and obtains a copy of the mortgage offer.

7.   Sellers’ Conveyancer and seller answer pre-contract enquiries and return these to buyer’s Conveyancer.

8.   Buyer’s Conveyancer reviews and reports to the buyer on the contents of the contract pack, pre-contract enquiries, the result of the searches and mortgage offer. The buyer then considers this report and raises questions on anything that is unclear.

9.   When the buyer is happy to proceed, arrangements are made for the deposit to be paid to the buyer’s Conveyancer in readiness for exchange of contracts.

10.  Seller and buyer agree on a completion date and contracts are formally “exchanged” - meaning both parties are legally committed to the transaction.

11.   Buyer’s Conveyancer prepares a draft transfer deed and completion information form and sends these to the seller’s Conveyancer for completion.

12.   Seller’s solicitor approves the draft transfer deed and a final copy is made. This may need to be signed by the buyer before being sent to the seller’s solicitor for signature by the seller in readiness for completion.

13.    Buyer’s Conveyancer prepares a completion statement, carries out pre-completion searches and applies to the buyer’s mortgage lender for the mortgage loan.

14.   On completion, the seller vacates the property by the agreed time and buyer’s Conveyancer sends the proceeds of sale to the seller’s Conveyancer.

15.   Seller’s Conveyancer releases the keys to the estate agent (if one was used) and sends the title deeds and transfer deed to the buyer’s Conveyancer together with an undertaking to repay any existing mortgage.

16.   Buyer’s Conveyancer sends the stamp duty payable to HMRC, receives the title deeds, transfer deed and proof that the seller has paid the outstanding mortgage on the property.

17.   Buyer’s Conveyancer registers the property in the name of the buyer at The Land Registry.

Hope the above helps.

This is really useful thankyou! So much so ive taken a screenshot lol. 

So I would assume at this point that vendors solicitor hasn't given my solicitor the contract pack? I think the problem is I feel I've done things in the wrong order. Memorandum was done right away as EA asked me what solicitor I was going to use....at that point I knew but I hadn't actually contacted her. 

Falafels

jazzyja said:

Can I just say (I mean I was expecting it reading half the replies on this forum anyway) that I fully understand it takes a long time! Shes told me I will be waiting more than 3 months. I get that. What I wanted to know is what to expect in regards to communication and at what stage are things usually done at. I mean documents from vendors etc I didnt know any of that, hence why I am asking as I'm new I've no idea. I dont need a lecture on pestering. I've emailed her once just to see is she's even started or what I dont know! 
Me and vendor and chain free. What I mean when I say all I'm waiting for is solicitor side is that my mortgage offer is in place and the survey has been done so right now I personally don't have much to do other than wait.

Thankyou for the replies 

It's not just the legal work done by the solicitor, which can be quite straightforward if there are no complications. However, it often isn't.

Your solicitor is unlikely to contact you immediately when searches come back, because these will often raise queries, and then the vendors solicitors' responses to queries may not be satisfactory - giving rise to more queries, and so on.

There are often delays caused by third parties which are entirely beyond the control of your solicitor, too. Rather than wasting their time - and yours! - by telling you things haven't happened, they normally let you know when you need to know, or need something from you. Because of the erratic nature of receiving responses from a variety of third parties, there isn't really an order in which things are done - but the bit that concerns you is exchange of contracts once all the above has been ironed out. 

It's usually the EA who's the go-between in sales and purchases, because they can be in contact with both sets of solicitors. They also have a vested interest in keeping things going, of course. The vendors' solicitors are not allowed to be directly in touch with you, and your solicitors can't be in direct contact with your vendor.

It's a bit of a nail-biting time, sure, but for the time being all you really CAN do is wait. I've also known several people who seemed to be hanging round for months; but when things started happening, it all did so with bewildering speed.

Good luck!