full disclosure for solicitors

soolin

Keeping it brief..I'm selling dad's house for him and we have a personal buyer, no estate agent involved. Both sides need a quick sale as buyers want to get in to renovate and dad needs the funds to pay for his care home place so speed is essential.

I filled out dozens of forms about the property, I've allowed buyers access anyway and am speaking to them all the time about bits and bobs. I've just come back from holiday to find yet another list of questions which are apparently 'official' and many of them I cannot respond to fully. Things like 'please confirm that you will supply all papers relating to the building works and extenstions plus all the planning consent for same'. The kitcken extension was put on over 50 years ago and there are no papers, the most recent extension was 35 years ago and all I have are outline drawings..can I just respond with 'I don't have these'? After all there is nothing else I can say is there?

They also want to know why gas repair work was not done (the gas is turned off due to a leak) and can I again should I just state the absolute truth and say that house owner is ill in hospital and there are no funds available to do repairs and no one in the house to allow access?

The last thing is that the solicitor wants signed confirmation that the house is going to be cleared entirely, yet the buyer has told me I can leave the remaining furniture and things like bedding and spare curtains as he can make use of them..what should I say there as the form just requires my signature and I can't sign it if it is not true.

I am desperate for this house to be sold as we have care fees to be paid in a month that we can't finance. I can hold them off for a few weeks but not too much longer really as I've already exhausted all the help I can get from Social services.

daveyjp

Unfortunately these lists of questions - Enquiries before contract - can now be printed off internet sites. Lazy solicitors print off the full list and hand them to the vendor. In the past only relevant questions would have been given.

As a result you need to give 'solicitors' answers:

Extensions - to the best of my knowledge the extensions were completed over 30 years ago. No warranty can be given as to the standard or legality of the construction, the purchaser should therefore make enquiries with relavant bodies and professionals as required.

Gas - we are aware of a gas leak, the supply has been turned off to make it safe and it is for the vendor to rectify any problems post completion.

Items - to the best of my knowledge the purchaser has requested for items to be left on the premises. If this is now not the case please advise and I will arrange clearance of unwanted items.

As long as you are honest you can sign the form.

soolin

davey you are wonderful, thank you, I'll draft my response now. It's silly but this has been on my mind over Christmas!