How do I put an offer in on a house?

[user143677433]

It’s 25 years since I last bought a house and I think it might have changed since then.

I am just buying, not selling. Last time I needed a solicitor who put the offer in on my behalf. Is it still the same, or do you deal with the seller yourself now?

(specifically posting in Scotsnet because Scottish system might still be different to England)

You find a solicitor and they put an offer in on your behalf. This is free (or was when I bought). This is because offers are legally binding in Scotland unlike in England when you can pull out at any moment before exchange (I think) so you should take legal advice. Obviously if the offer is accepted and sale proceeds the solicitor will charge a fee.

You can just put an offer in with the estate agent. We have put a few in but no luck so far.

Thanks @womaninatightspot

How do I find a solicitor to do it? Are the solicitors in estate agents the right people? So do I just go to one estate agent and ask them to put an offer in to the other estate agent?

sorry if there are stupid questions.

where are you buying in Scotland - find a local solicitor. I can recommend Connell & Connell if in Edinburgh. A good solicitor will give you input on the bid you put in so well worth getting beforehand and not going direct.

Recommend mcvey & murricane in Glasgow Altho I think I phoned round & got three quotes before deciding.

Thank you! I am in the Borders, but don’t suppose they need to be Geographically close to me these days?

Your local high street probably has several residential property solicitors (some in estate agents). I'd suggest asking friends for recommendations if you can. If you pick someone local to the property, they'll know the market well and be able to give guidance on price to offer etc. They'll likely also be familiar with the selling estate agent and might be able to get a feel for level of interest/competition.

Also just to flag that there is a common misconception on here that offers in Scotland are legally binding but that's not the case and parties can pull out at any time before missives are concluded.

yes you need a local solicitor, always going to be better advice if they're local to the area.

I can confirm that buyers can pull out before missives are exchanged, I’ve had two time wasting liars buyers do exactly that over the last few months.

Sorry you’ve been messed about @Chemenger

20 years ago we were on the other side of that issue - had to pull out as buyers due to an unexpected change of circumstances. We had to pay £15k to the seller as compensation. The system must have changed a lot since then.

I hope you get a buyer soon.

Please do not use McVey and Murricane. Bucket shop, low end solicitors who cause unnecessary stress by leaving everything to the last minute. We find them really difficult to deal with, unresponsive and unhelpful.

Either party can withdraw prior to missives being concluded. An offer is not and never has been legally binding when made. Only when missives are concluded.

if you can give an approx location, I may be able to recommend someone for you. A local solicitor will be best placed to give you the best advice in terms of what to offer, closing dates, home reports etc.

Hastings were good for us

You need a solicitor that knows the local market well.

Totally agree that you should not use any of the big conveyancing companies they are cheap for a reason. Small and local are the best with conveyancing someone who will actually know your name when you call not a reference number.