10 days to go! What now?

Trollydolly_2

Finally got a date for the exchange. THURSDAY 7th JULY!!

Its my first home, on my own, just me and my dog and i cant wait!!!!!

BUT as im a complete novice at all this i dont know what i need to do between now and when i move in.

Do i need to start organising electric, phone etc or do i do that when im in???

HELP!!!

Any tips, advice or instructions would be grately appreciated!

You can all come round for a "virtual" moving in drink when i get online in my new home! :T :beer: :T

[Deleted User]

Don't confuse exchange with completion. Until exchange of contacts has actually taken place anyone can pull out.

Following exchange you will still need to agree a date of completion. THAT is your moving in day.

Exchange to completion usually takes around 2 weeks if there are no problems - but it can take longer, especially when a completion date cannot be agreed upon - so now is the time to suggest a date with your soolicitor and get it mooted with the other parties in the chain.

My chain of 11 nearly fell apart because a completion date could not be agreed. I was away on courses that I could get out of and others booked holidays at the last minute etc... so now is definitely a good time to start planning a completion date.

Once you have that AND you have exchanged contracts it will be all systems go.

You can then book removals, inform the gas/electric/water/telephone/council tax etc...

If you make a list of EVERYTHING that has your name and address on (you can do this now) you will be surprised at how long it is. All these people need to know you are moving.

You can arrange for the the post office to redirect your mail but it costs a little. However you still need to tell everyone you have moved.

To save on phone calls and postage - try looking up the companies on the internet and email them the details. Many will be happy with that - others not.

DVLA will need a photo to be able to update you driving licence (if you have the old type).

If you are moving to a new area you will need to register with a new GP and dentist. If you have children then you may need to be moving schools so it's never too early for those enquiries.

Don't forget your employer! Apart from telling them you are moving you may need to book a day off! Most completions only take place on a weekday as conveyancing solicitors don't work weekends.

good luck

mrcow

Deleted_User wrote:

Exchange to completion usually takes around 2 weeks if there are no problems - but it can take longer

Or it can be done on the same day

Trollydolly_2

Ive just looked at the letter from the solicitor, it actually says the completion is on the 7th July. Phew! thought i was getting excited for nothing then!

I have signed the contract and the money is with the solicitor so does that mean the exchange has already taken place??
Im so confused!
Thanks Deleted_User and MrCow for your advice, much apprecited xxxxxxx

[Deleted User]

mrcow wrote:

Or it can be done on the same day

Another myth that I've yet to experience.

mrcow

Pardon!!!?

[Deleted User]

TrolleyDolly - if you letter says COMPLETION is 7th July - then that is when you are moving in!

Time to get packing. You don't have time to hang about on here!

Congratulations.

jonesMUFCforever

I would assume so but I would check with your solicitor. It is not unheard of for exchange and completion to happen on the same day. This happened to me when I bought my first house.
One thing that should be in place now (if you have exchanged) is the Buildings insurance on the property (if not Leasehold).
Good luck
Eric

Sput2001

Deleted_User wrote:

Another myth that I've yet to experience.

It's certainly not unusual to go from exchange to completion in 24 hours. Last time I moved house it was 48 hours.

cedge

I hope you arranged buildings insurance for the exchange date.

TheDink

There are some handy checklists on this site - in case there's something you haven't thought of!
http://www.helpiammoving.com/moving_house/home.php