I’m being asked to pay two solicitors

AliceBanned

EssexHebridean said:

Why don’t you simply instruct firm 2 to look after the whole transaction? That would be by far the simplest route. 

I need to find out whether that’s what they are doing anyway. They seem to be. But I can’t get my £270 back?!

EssexHebridean

AliceBanned said:

EssexHebridean said:

Why don’t you simply instruct firm 2 to look after the whole transaction? That would be by far the simplest route. 

I need to find out whether that’s what they are doing anyway. They seem to be. But I can’t get my £270 back?!

It wouldn't be returned to you until you have confirmed that you're not proceeding with the instruction to them because they are unable to deal with the full transaction. Confirm that (if that is how you choose to proceed) and yes, you absolutely can get that money on account back. I wouldn't expect that at this stage any deductions will be made either - but that's another reason you need to be clear in your instructions (or disinstructions) before anything is done on the file. 

AliceBanned

Hello I know this has dragged out a bit -my mortgage wasn't approved due to cladding (five-storey block) but I still like the property and managed to get mortgage approved via another broker. Approved 22nd January. The second solicitor seem slow but it is progressing.

The estate agent/vendor have suggested I switch conveyancer (to one they recommend of course) but I'm trying not to, as the vendor's conveyancer is also delaying things.

Finally today I received the lease, but don't have the full management pack for some reason. There is a sentence in it that I want advice on but will post in a new thread I think, as it is not relevant here. Even though I like the flat it is seeming a bit less attractive due to all the hassle of getting this far, and vendor threatening to put it back on the market even though they know I'm a serious buyer! I am trying to push things faster but my conveyancer says they wait for answers! Vendor lost their previous buyer due to 'financial' reasons I was told. They are fairly pricey flats, especially for a single buyer. The vendors are going through divorce and have had to leave the flat empty - not quite sure why but it sounds like a difficult split.

RelievedSheff

The vendors situation is none of your concern. Don't let them push you into decisions you are not happy with.

Sales involving leases and management companies often take longer to resolve than a straightforward freehold transaction. Your conveyancer is working in your interests, let them do their investigative work and make sure there are no clauses that will catch you out in the future.

Its annoying waiting for the legals to sort themselves out but just try to remember that they are working in your best interests.

AliceBanned

I agree - threats to put the flat back on the market are not helpful but as long as my conveyancer is doing their work they have to let it run its course.