Solicitor making app to go through docs

[Bubbles121]

Hi all,

I've just been told that my buyers solicitor is waiting for one last thing and is then going to have an appointment with the buyer to go through everything - is this where they sign the contracts? It's thrown me as I just got everything through the post along with my paperwork - I've never been invited in to talk it all through.

Has anyone else had this? Should I be worried?

Yes it's standard on a purchase. The solicitor will report on the property to the buyer, so that they know everything about this. This is done by either sending a long report to the buyer to read with all documentation to sign or by the buyer coming into the office so the solicitor can report directly their client. It's absolutely standard.

When you're selling, you don't need to be reported to because you're selling it.

Depends on the firm you are using...I have bought using a boilerhouse conveyancer - no appt to talk me through docs.

Subsequent purchases I've used a family law firm with Appointments to talk through the paperwork.

Thanks Both. We just got the reports through the post for our purchase - is it standard to sign the documents at the same appointment ready for exchange?

Depends everyone is different. Some clients are happy to sign there and then, some want to take everything away and have a think. Every individual is different

Thanks everyone - that's really helpful. I was a little worried but you've all put my minds at rest!

I don't think there is anything to worry about. Our last property sale we used a solicitor local to the house which was a few hundred miles away! We'd signed the contracts ready for exchange but before she formally did the exchange, she rang me to check the details (price agreed etc) and that it was OK to exchange on that date.

We had no onward purchase on that occasion so nothing to match it up with.

@Bubbles121

I wouldnt be worried; for our house we jas an appointment with our solicitor for this; she just pointed our some of the covenents of our close, some legalities regarding the fact it was coach house and leases for garages underneath and then we signed the contracts.

Some firms do it, some don't.

It can be a pain. I had to see a client after hours at my own house once as he couldn't get time off work to come in to sign.

Sass the phone call to get permission to exchange is a separate thing to signing the contract.

I wouldn't be worried. I would disagree that it is standard to be invited in or get a report tbh, as its not something I have ever done as I recall, in over 20+ years of numerous sales & purchases, but it seems like a good idea & possibly it should be standard! Hopefully won't be too much longer for you now!

We've done this on both previous purchases, they just tell you what the answers to questions were and draw anything unusual to your attention.

It is a good opportunity to ask directly what stage everyone else is at. We were once told everyone was ready to exchange, but when face to face with the solicitor we were told the house was tenanted and they needed another month!

So definitely make a note of any questions you have -- it's a good chance to get the info from the horse's mouth!