First time buyer advice.

[Captainbarnacles1101]

I'm divorced and buying a house on my own for the first time.
My survey is done. I got my mortgage offer officially thru and signed it
I have paid the solicitors their initial fee.

What's next? It's been a week and I have heard nothing. Also I drove past the house I'm buying and there is no sold sign up. When does this go up? Who do I ring for advice or update. I'm terrified it's going to fall through.

Call your solicitors every few days for an update.

Are you in a chain? Have you given your solicitors and agents any desired timescales?

Is your mortgage agreement in place?

Is the house still being marketed online as being available? I would challenge the agents if so. Once you've committed money to a survey no one else should be allowed to view.

It says sale agreed online. I'm not in a chain. I rent at the moment and the house I'm buying is empty so there is no chain. So I should ring the solicitors?
Mortgage is in place. I have 6 months to draw it down.
I had said end of October but solicitor said it would be before then.

Have you paid for Searches etc already ? If so chances are they are requesting those and paperwork such as the Fixtures and Fittings list form vendor. Presumably the mortgage offer is confirmed after survey not just in principle ? EA's operate differently some won't put a Sold sign up until exchange or only have someone drive around once a week to update boards. You can always call both to check.

Thanks peeps.
Yes mortgage is confirmed. I paid for the searches yes so I presume as u say yes they are doing that. I think I will ring both this am see what the scoop is.

Captain - first of all, good luck on this big move to your new life! It must be a bit daunting right now but it will feel fantastic once you're in. Exciting!

Do phone or email the solicitors twice a week and ask them specifically "what happens next, how long will that step take, and what can I do to ensure that happens promptly?" If you ask for very specific info you should get clear answers. Don't be shy about pressing them: they are working for you!

The selling agent should also be able to explain the steps to you too - the agent we are using provides a very handy list showing the steps and the time they take. They should be able to give you info but you'll have to ask.

It is definitely possible to shave days (maybe weeks) off the process by expediting this vigorously, so it's really worth being pushy!

Maybe things ought to be that way, Anything, but in fact there are no rules to prevent sellers continuing to market their property right up till exchange of contracts. Of course the buyer can ask, but it's at the seller's discretion. Best time to ask is when you make the offer... "This offer is conditional on..."

OP, I agree that you need to keep on at your solicitor. A good one will keep you in touch with what's happening, and let you know as soon as they need your input, but they're not all good! There's no harm in badgering them every few days... If they're slacking, they need pushing, and if they're not, they'll be able to tell you what's what with no trouble at all.