Direct contact with buyer or communicate only through solicitors?

[Pinkrose13]

Just that really. EA has been a pain - poor communication :( Is it a good idea to give my number to my buyer ?

I have with the people we are buying from. It's been really helpful to sort out a few inquiries that our respective solicitors haven't managed to sort. We met them when we viewed the house so got a good feeling from them.
Wouldn't do with our buyers though- they have been a pain in the backside!
Guess it depends whether you think you can trust them or not.

Our buyers offered us their number at the first viewing (no EA present) and we've been in touch by text and phone since then as we're purchasing their house.

It's been fine as we've been able to go back and view without involving the EA and we've been able to confirm details that otherwise might take longer going via EA.

We're also letting each other know what needs to be done as both solicitors are blaming the other so between us we're keeping on top of things.