Exchange. What happens next? First time buyer help!

[RavenLG]

Had a call today from our solicitor to say our exchange has been completed (finally after several issues from top of chain!) and we would be completing on the 25th November as discussed.

I asked what happens next, as were first time buyers we have no idea what the next steps are. She said as were bottom of chain she would call on the 25th when the keys are ready to pick up. Now, she didn’t really go into detail, and I’m currently dying with the flu / delirious from insomnia and aforementioned flu and had just woken up when she called. Can anyone elaborate as to what we can expect or is that it? We literally wait for a call to go get keys? We’re so eager to get in we and assumed we would need to go sign stuff and book an appointment etc it all seems to have been a strange informal process lol.

Hi I'm up dying like you, horrible isn't it?
Yes, you'll literally get a call to say you've completed, congrats and hope the move goes well and you recover soon.

You'll receive final paperwork after completion for your records.

Hi Luxury yes it’s bloody awful. My body can’t decide if it’s feeling better or feeling worse. If I could sleep it would be a whole lot better gah. Hope you’re feeling better soon! X

Thanks for the info. Eeek, that’s good in terms of that’s all we need to do but bad as I’m the worst for needing things planned to a t and this throws off my “moving day agenda” haha!

Well now you've exchanged you can really get organised, flu permitting.
It's bound to be a slightly chaotic week ahead but exciting too and you'll be in and sorted for Christmas.

I dont envy you moving while so unwell so try to rest over this weekend and hopefully you'll feel a bit more yourself on Monday.

I've always rung the estate agent on completion day to check the keys are ready. Especially if you have to travel to get them. Last time they rang me as the vendor requested another hour to leave the house which was OK with me.

Oh and organise your broadband now and new house insurance.

What she said, big time. As you have a crap solicitor that isn't helping

• buildings insurance for the new place now. However sick you are.
• set up post redirect - takes 5 days so shift
• order broadband and phone - tight to have it ready for the 25th

Removals?

Hi all.

Fell asleep on the sofa and just woke up. Sleeping pattern is probably all to hell now but feeling better besides from a horrible cough and a really sore tongue for some reason

All funds are transfer that has already been sorted. We were supposed to be exchanging last week but then there was a problem at the top of the chain which caused issues. That’s a scary scam, but despite specials opinion, our solicitors are very good. We were given bank details in person at the solicitor office with the breakdown of completion costs so one less thing to worry about.

Our insurance is coming through mortgage provider so OH is contacting them today to arrange that starts.

We have the keys to our current rental place until the 13th so actually have a few weeks to ensure we’re moved out. I have a list of things I need to do in terms of sorting out council tax, broadband etc. And we’re just moving ourselves, OH works in trade so has access to transit vans and we’re gluttons for punishment so doing it ourselves / bribing his brother with beer to help. All the main bits of our lives are packed up so we’re going to start packing other bits now. So excited! Thank you all for your help it’s been much appreciated!

Hopefully I’ll shift this cold over the weekend to get back into superwoman mode and get everything in order :)

Congratulations! How exciting for you even if you are dying of flu.
Another FTB here hoping to exchange on 30th, did you have any choice in completion date?

Thanks MrsPuss! Congrats to you too, hope the exchange goes well.

There is 3 of us (I think!) in the chain. We asked to complete on the 1st December and our seller agreed to this but the person at the top is moving out of area and said they needed to complete the week earlier. We’re desperate to get keys so we agreed lol. Our solicitor asked for our preferred date and put it forward then it goes from there. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly for you!

Even given bank details in person, still send £1 first. A typo will cost you.

You should still have had a final check call before exchange, not a surprise. But it is done so congrats and it is nearly over.