Solicitor Process.

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Paperboy

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I'm just after so advice on whether I need to give me solicitor a bit of a prod about my flat completion.

I paid for the searches and gave them all their forms filled back in at the beginning of December. On the 14th they replied to an email I sent saying they had received the contract from the sellers solicitor and the searches where well under way.

I understand that the whole chain needs to be in place, but how long realistically do the searches take.

Thanks in advance a nervous first time buyer :D
 
Simon send a Pm to Greg GB72. That's his department
Everyone is back to work now after Xmas , so I'd expect some action or at least an update.
 
Should be done by Easter.

We've purchased within 4 weeks before. But if there's covenants or leasehold queries it can take longer. As you've had Christmas in the middle, another couple of weeks wouldn't be unreasonable.
 
I assume you are paying them? I which case it is reasonable call for an update any time you please!
Our last purchase started to stall and I ended up calling twice daily to push things through, squeaky hinge and all that
 
Is it mean to say I've been in since mid Dec?

I called them a few times, double checking stuff, snags and due dates.

I chose ones close to my work so I could just drive there on a lunch hour if needed. That proved helpful.
 
Impossible to give accurate timescales as so many outside agencies involved. Even searches vary depending on local authority etc. Also you say it is a flat so there is a lease to go through plus there will be potentially a pack of management information to obtain from the freeholder and that takes time. Many firms also shut on 23rd December until 3rd January. You also have the issue of the chain and the speed that other solicitors are dealing with things. Leasehold transactions are also just inherently more complex. At this time of year about 10-12 weeks is not unusual. That said, call for updates or email. In general I speak to or email my clients at least once or twice a week depending on the stage of the transaction
 
My experience with solicitors is generally that they are slow and need regular prods into action, I've used several over many years and their favourite expression when asked how things are progressing is "glad you rang, I was just about to look at that"
 
I've just sent a short email asking how the searches etc are going.
Also stating I know not much might not have happened over Xmas. But as not heard anything since the 14th December, thought I'd ask for others experiences.
 
chrisd said:
"glad you rang, I was just about to look at that"
Click to expand...

OMG i thought that was just to me, didnt realise it was part of their actual training!

When i moved simon, i mailed or called my solicitor every day. Might have annoyed him, but we had a similar time line to you and we moved on the 16th Jan.
 
Going through the same process at the moment and it's all very slow. My and the seller's solicitors were off for two weeks over xmas. I rang just before xmas to be told there is a delay in getting some building control certificates which have now come through. Was expecting everything to move this week but still nothing.

I have been in constant communication with the seller who is trying to push his along today. They always say there is two times, normal people's time and legal time.
 
As previously stated the more you ask questions the more they will have your file out, they work for you and it's your first time so you are entitled to both ask questions and feel nervous.
 
my experience of solicitors is the same, I don't know much about their procedures or how they operate, I'd imagine there's quite a bit of them waiting about for others aswell but There's simply no rushing these people, they are very slow and very expensive.
Personally I'd be on the phone to them regularly or you will just end up at the bottom of the pile behind the people who are on the phone regularly.
 
Wot Simbo says. The whole ordeal is stressful and I have yet to come across any solicitor who has any sense of urgency or understanding of the stress the buyer / seller is going through. I know there are good ones out there, there are in all walks of life. I just haven't found one yet. Ice bergs move quicker than solicitors act with house moves, the whole system is archaic still. You need to alternate between badgering and meditation to keep you calm.

I did hear someone speak over Christmas who prophesised the end of long waits for searches as all of the information is either online or will be shortly. You will be able to do your own searches or companies will do them for you in minutes rather than weeks. How accurate that was I don't know but the current method of collecting information seems very out of date to me.

Best of luck, I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.
 
Yep I agree, keep prodding them either through emails or phone calls. Hope all goes through smoothly for you Simon.

Did the survey highlight any issues with sticking toilet doors? :whistle:
 
In defence of them mine were brilliant, on top of everything and very reasonably priced.

My advice is get ones you can pop into the office easy, well worth a few extra notes to be able to see the any day you want.

I called mine about twice a week, they were usually waiting for something and I was never waiting for them.

I asked a lot of questions, it was my first time and they were great about it. Got mine all wrapped up in a month, told it would b slow but in the end it was just slow getting a few certificates and waiting for the seller...
 
They are not doing the work for nothing- quite the opposite.

Contact them on a regular basis.

Think there is a perceived idea that Solicitors are above the law. They have a regulatory body if things go wrong and whilst not saying you should mention that regular contact is vital.

Please remember it is your money that is paying for their service.
 
Just had a call from my solicitor she explained what she is waiting for in regards from the sellers solicitor and what they are waiting for.

She's going to email me an update once a week unless anything urgent comes up then she will give me a call.

Quite happy with that.
 
Good work. Don't be shy in chasing though. Our last purchase was like wading through treacle despite there being no chain at either end. Turns out our vendor's solicitor was dragging feet and generally being a pain. We just kept chasing ours and eventually they got fed up and lodged a formal complaint. Things moved very quickly after that.
 
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