Buyer hasn't instructed solicitor to start searches

[scortja]

And won't return calls - what does this mean?! The last time we spoke (before Christmas) she said she was definitely wanting to proceed.

Should we put the house back on the market?! I don't like feeling like this. She told our EA that she has been busy but surely it only takes a phone call/email?

Does it look like she wants to back out?! Why wouldn't she just say that?

Put back on market. Some spoilt princess who will mess you about more . forget her.

When you say she won't return calls, how many calls and how long have you been trying?

If it's been more than a week I'd absolutely put it back on the market.

I think it would be worth the EA emailing and saying that they require confirmation from her solicitor that s/he has been instructed to start the searches by tomorrow or it will be going back on the market. It's only worth doing this if the market is strong in your area - she needs to feel that someone else could buy it, not that it will just languish on RM for the next few months.

it's possible that she's scatty and hasn't put the solicitor in funds to do the searches yet - they won't do them wtihout the cash in the bank usually.
ALternatively, she's also bidding on another property and you're the safety net.

Deploy your estate agent and suggest that you'll remarket with a different agent if she doesn't get her finger out soon - they won't want to lose their commission

Difficult to say if she is messing you about - not enough information to advise really. A rough date timeline would be helpful:

Offer accepted
Solicitor instructed (both you and buyer)
EA Sales memo sent to both solicitors
Initial paperwork returned to Solicitor (by you), registered title and plan ordered/received by your solicitor (you may have to pay upfront for these to be obtained)
Draft contracts sent to buyers solicitors along with your completed forms (PIF/F&F) and Land Registry deeds
Buyer's MIP
Buyer pays for searches
Searches ordered

Like PP above said, buyer may not have paid for searches yet. Some wait until mortgage offer and/or survey done before spending any more money.

Do see if you can find out more information before taking drastic action.

Thank you - we have given ultimatum after ultimatum..

She was apparently busy and hasn't had time to instruct the solicitor to begin searches. Wouldn't you be excited about buying a house and want to get everything done asap?!

Spoilt princess is spot on.

Agree put it back on the market. If she's serious it will speed her up. If she's not you'll know you've done the right thing.

If you give an ultimatum you have to follow through on the consequences (ie house going back on the market) or they just become empty threats and the buyer won't take you seriously, I'd suggest a final deadline and make it clear it is final.

Put it back on,. You are just wasting time with her. If she comes through all well and good, but she's sounding pretty disinterested.

Its such a shame - we're in the middle of a three person chain and I'm so worried we'll lose the house we want to buy..

We give her an ulitmatum, she does x, then doesn't follow up, then we spend ages trying to contact her/her EA etc.. You're right, she doesn't seem that interested despite what she says..

What a rotten position to be in. It sounds like you've been more than patient enough with her.

I think you'd be doing the right thing by remarketing it. Good luck with finding a better buyer.

I think she's getting cold feet. You should instruct your estate agent to put the house back on the market.

You won't lose your onward because you put it back in. This woman isn't off the starting blocks.

Put it back on. Nothing like that to sharpen the focus if she really is interested. Which she isn't.

Oh and my qualifications? I'm a the conveyancing partner at my firm.

EA called - she's instructed solicitors!

But I have a feeling it won't be the last thing..

Thanks for listening to me and for the great advice..