Houses

[VLC86]

5 hours ago, Hollism said:

We rang again and weren’t able to speak to our solicitor. The receptionist confirmed their account details and said she’ll get the solicitor to email us the amount we need to pay. Didn’t happen.

 

Just had a text from the seller and her solicitor has said she is waiting for something from ours still. Don’t know what. Also, they close on Tuesday for two weeks.

 

I’m shaking with anger at the thought of not being in for Christmas.

Probably isn’t possible but are you able to go into your solicitors and (i’m not sure if you have, I haven’t read the whole thread) if you have been mislead refuse to leave until they sort out what they previously promised?

 

Its quite bad but I’ve found that being a massive willy puller in these circumstances generally means things get done.

[Mickyblueeyes]

5 hours ago, Hollism said:

We rang again and weren’t able to speak to our solicitor. The receptionist confirmed their account details and said she’ll get the solicitor to email us the amount we need to pay. Didn’t happen.

 

Just had a text from the seller and her solicitor has said she is waiting for something from ours still. Don’t know what. Also, they close on Tuesday for two weeks.

 

I’m shaking with anger at the thought of not being in for Christmas.

You need raise a complaint mate. Threaten to report it to the ombudsman and SRA. This is ridiculously poor service.

[Hollism]

1 minute ago, Costock_Fox said:

Probably isn’t possible but are you able to go into your solicitors and (i’m not sure if you have, I haven’t read the whole thread) if you have been mislead refuse to leave until they sort out what they previously promised?

 

Its quite bad but I’ve found that being a massive willy puller in these circumstances generally means things get done.

I mentioned earlier in the thread (might have been in conversation with your good self- it was a few months ago), but I’m not actually buying the house on paper because I’m “newly” self-employed. It’s all in my fiancee’s name.

 

For that reason, I haven’t officially had any direct contact with the solicitors. I’ve been emailing them from her name while she’s at work (no phone access for her during shift) and generally overseeing this for the most part, but it’s pointless me picking up the phone to them or going in because they won’t discuss anything with me because of gdpr. They’re based in Birmingham so I’d have no problem driving over and making things happen by any means necessary, but she would need to be the one to do it (or at least take the lead), and she’s just not that kind of person.

@Mickyblueeyes

 

Will 100% be taking this up with the SRA, but I fear I’ve left it too late for the threat of that to actually make a difference. Just going to do it after the fact anyway in the hope that they get their act together and it saves the next person from having to deal with the service we’ve had.

 

Our financial advisor is going to call them first thing in the morning and hopefully make things happen.

[Kopic]

Should finally be completing on our house tomorrow, having exchanged on Tuesday. We had our offer accepted end of August, searches returned mid way through September, mortgage offered end of September, then seemingly nothing happened for ages. Then, our solicitors got hacked, which was fun. Sellers asked for a completion date of 2nd December, we said yes. That didn't happen. Then the 10th, that didn't happen. So I'm not sure if it will actually happen tomorrow, but at least we've exchanged so fingers crossed.

 

We used a mortgage broker in the process. Tried to sell us home and life jnsurance, we disregarded the home insurance straight away, but chose to research the life insurance. Then spent a few months asking the broker for info on the policy, receiving absolute radio silence. Decided to just go through a comparison website and got my own, informed him on Tuesday it was in place. Que and email today from their insurance recommendation, stating our policy has been started. Is it just me or is that really ****ing dodgy? Had zero conversation with them since the initial one in September, and also informed them by email on Tuesday we had our own policy in place. The insurance company told me they actually edited the policy this afternoon to start today. Seems almost like fraud to me.

 

If I get the keys tomorrow I'll be so bloody relieved.

 

[VLC86]

17 minutes ago, Hollism said:

I mentioned earlier in the thread (might have been in conversation with your good self- it was a few months ago), but I’m not actually buying the house on paper because I’m “newly” self-employed. It’s all in my fiancee’s name.

 

For that reason, I haven’t officially had any direct contact with the solicitors. I’ve been emailing them from her name while she’s at work (no phone access for her during shift) and generally overseeing this for the most part, but it’s pointless me picking up the phone to them or going in because they won’t discuss anything with me because of gdpr. They’re based in Birmingham so I’d have no problem driving over and making things happen by any means necessary, but she would need to be the one to do it (or at least take the lead), and she’s just not that kind of person.

@Mickyblueeyes

 

Will 100% be taking this up with the SRA, but I fear I’ve left it too late for the threat of that to actually make a difference. Just going to do it after the fact anyway in the hope that they get their act together and it saves the next person from having to deal with the service we’ve had.

 

Our financial advisor is going to call them first thing in the morning and hopefully make things happen.

Ah sorry mate that does ring a bell. Honestly, I would have a conversation with your Mrs and ask her to be all over it.

 

I’ve said many times but I’m absolutely convinced that if you left solicitors to do things then they would probably forget about 25% of their clients. There needs to be more regulation around then meeting their end of the bargain and should be a contract which draws out what happens if they drag things on for longer than they should.

 

Good luck mate

[VLC86]

2 minutes ago, Kopic said:

Should finally be completing on our house tomorrow, having exchanged on Tuesday. We had our offer accepted end of August, searches returned mid way through September, mortgage offered end of September, then seemingly nothing happened for ages. Then, our solicitors got hacked, which was fun. Sellers asked for a completion date of 2nd December, we said yes. That didn't happen. Then the 10th, that didn't happen. So I'm not sure if it will actually happen tomorrow, but at least we've exchanged so fingers crossed.

 

We used a mortgage broker in the process. Tried to sell us home and life jnsurance, we disregarded the home insurance straight away, but chose to research the life insurance. Then spent a few months asking the broker for info on the policy, receiving absolute radio silence. Decided to just go through a comparison website and got my own, informed him on Tuesday it was in place. Que and email today from their insurance recommendation, stating our policy has been started. Is it just me or is that really ****ing dodgy? Had zero conversation with them since the initial one in September, and also informed them by email on Tuesday we had our own policy in place. The insurance company told me they actually edited the policy this afternoon to start today. Seems almost like fraud to me.

 

If I get the keys tomorrow I'll be so bloody relieved.

 

If you haven’t done anything to agree to the life insurance I would be asking how this has proceeded and for a look at the paperwork. Definitely dodgy.

[Kopic]

4 minutes ago, Costock_Fox said:

If you haven’t done anything to agree to the life insurance I would be asking how this has proceeded and for a look at the paperwork. Definitely dodgy.

The only conversation we had with him was during the mortgage process where he tried to "sell" it to us. I have made about 4 calls since asking for more info, costs etc, receiving nothing back. Then telling him via email we had our own policy in place on Tuesday, for him to edit it today and start it, it's ridiculous. Fortunately aviva were absolutely brilliant on the phone, they told me the info about when it was updated etc and cancelled it on the spot. They must have used our bank details from when we paid for their mortgage services, which seems like it should be illegal to me. I'm going to make a complaint and want to kick up a bit of a fuss but it's so out of my nature to complain about anything I'm not sure where to go. The company have an official complaints process so I'll probably start there but don't really expect to achieve anything. Also if we do actually complete tomorrow we're done with them and I kinda feel like just leaving it as I cancelled it so easily.

 

The bellend called us about half 8 this morning about something else to do with the purchase, didn't mention the insurance at all, and got both of our names wrong on the call, which really wound me up. Only been dealing with them for 4 months.

[VLC86]

3 minutes ago, Kopic said:

The only conversation we had with him was during the mortgage process where he tried to "sell" it to us. I have made about 4 calls since asking for more info, costs etc, receiving nothing back. Then telling him via email we had our own policy in place on Tuesday, for him to edit it today and start it, it's ridiculous. Fortunately aviva were absolutely brilliant on the phone, they told me the info about when it was updated etc and cancelled it on the spot. They must have used our bank details from when we paid for their mortgage services, which seems like it should be illegal to me. I'm going to make a complaint and want to kick up a bit of a fuss but it's so out of my nature to complain about anything I'm not sure where to go. The company have an official complaints process so I'll probably start there but don't really expect to achieve anything. Also if we do actually complete tomorrow we're done with them and I kinda feel like just leaving it as I cancelled it so easily.

 

The bellend called us about half 8 this morning about something else to do with the purchase, didn't mention the insurance at all, and got both of our names wrong on the call, which really wound me up. Only been dealing with them for 4 months.

All they would need to do to do that would be to type in your sort code and account number while answering the questions using your mortgage application.

 

Definitely contact the Broker firm as that’s a dodgy salesman who has done it to boost their figures.

[FoyleFox]

5 hours ago, Hollism said:

We rang again and weren’t able to speak to our solicitor. The receptionist confirmed their account details and said she’ll get the solicitor to email us the amount we need to pay. Didn’t happen.

 

Just had a text from the seller and her solicitor has said she is waiting for something from ours still. Don’t know what. Also, they close on Tuesday for two weeks.

 

I’m shaking with anger at the thought of not being in for Christmas.

It feels like a never ending nightmare and is so stressful! The good news is that you do usually get there in the end. And, after a few weeks/months it's all forgotten.

We had all sorts of issues, but 5 months on, the pain of buying has dissipated. Admittedly, I've swapped it for builder stress.

 

Another bunch of idiots! The demolition of our walls went well, plumbing and plastering all good so far, but the builder failed to advise the electrician on the volume of work required, and he booked 1 day in, not the 4 needed. Can't come back until early-Jan. Kitchen staying in boxes, and it's microwave crimbo dinner! The builder has been sacked, but that was more to do with the last minute doubling of the kitchen install cost and we found out on Monday he was adding on £100 a day for 'project management'  - which I've been doing.

[KrefelderFox666]

6 hours ago, Kopic said:

The only conversation we had with him was during the mortgage process where he tried to "sell" it to us. I have made about 4 calls since asking for more info, costs etc, receiving nothing back. Then telling him via email we had our own policy in place on Tuesday, for him to edit it today and start it, it's ridiculous. Fortunately aviva were absolutely brilliant on the phone, they told me the info about when it was updated etc and cancelled it on the spot. They must have used our bank details from when we paid for their mortgage services, which seems like it should be illegal to me. I'm going to make a complaint and want to kick up a bit of a fuss but it's so out of my nature to complain about anything I'm not sure where to go. The company have an official complaints process so I'll probably start there but don't really expect to achieve anything. Also if we do actually complete tomorrow we're done with them and I kinda feel like just leaving it as I cancelled it so easily.

 

The bellend called us about half 8 this morning about something else to do with the purchase, didn't mention the insurance at all, and got both of our names wrong on the call, which really wound me up. Only been dealing with them for 4 months.

Would 100% complain. Start off with the firm and go to the financial ombudsman if needed. Misselling is a massive no no with the FCA and they are really clamping down on it these past few years. Before even being able to make a decision you should have received policy quotes and a demands and needs letter that mentions what your insurance requirements are and what advice was given to meet them. And they need agreements from you to proceed.

 

Good luck.

[Raj]

If anyone needs a mortgage deal DM me, my cousin is an independent  mortgage advisor.

Mention me and hell give you a fiver off maybe!!!

BUT seriously  he knows what hes doing and is at a stage now where he is filtering off who he gets deals for!!!( I.e Pain the arse= Do one!!!)

[The Blur]

Like many on here, I am currently in the process of buying a house as a first time buyer.   We were stuck in a deadlock for few weeks when the enquiries came to a grinding halt which resulted in a threat by someone in the chain to pull out if contracts were not signed with agreement of exchange dates by Christmas.  

 

It eventually came to life over last few days aided by my wife phoning up everyday to hurry things along.   It turned out that our solicitors never received an email from vendors solicitors with responses to enquiries.   We have no idea who was at the fault but received contracts paperwork late yesterday.  

 

Hopefully it can be sorted out by Christmas- our solicitors close on Christmas Eve at 1pm.  Definitely squeaky bum time as Fergie would say.   Reading this thread has honestly helped me to be more prepared for all madness involved in house buying and to be more accepting of it much as I can!   

 

Fingers crossed.  

Edited 17 December 2021 by The Blur

[Hollism]

Update:

 

An email was sent from our mortgage provider to our advisor at 9pm last night confirming the funds are set to be released in time for completion on Monday!

 

We’ve just had an email from the solicitor saying that they can’t apply for the HTB ISA bonus without a closure statement, and they need to apply for it before completion. They only asked us for this on Tuesday when they sent the contract through, and it takes up to 7 days for nationwide to sent the statement through. We can’t afford to miss out on the £1.6k bonus we’re set for. Their email is basically asking us if we want to lose £1.6k or delay completion for two weeks.

 

Mortgage advisor did say something along the lines of the solicitors can speak to the bank directly and confirm it is closed and the closing balance. Just waiting for a callback from him to see what we can do.

Edited 17 December 2021 by Hollism

[grobyfox1990]

20 hours ago, Izzy said:

Re. paying your mortgage off early, I stumbled on this bloke a few months ago. He's very American/right wing/conservative/religious/in your face etc. but I love his approach. His views have shifted my mindset on debt and I'm working like a trojan to pay my mortgage off while cutting other costs left, right, and center. I'm on a mission and it feels good.

 

 

Agreed. Even with interest rates so so low, what you pay in interest is eye watering compared to principal, especially at the start of term. Reducing the term of your mortgage and/or overpaying as much as you can literally saves thousands, all the mtg calculators out there will show you that.

 

Im definitiely a big fan of having a lot of fun whilst you are fit, healthy and able to, this period has shown life is short, so maximise it!! As well as making calculated (!!) investments into your future. But if your house is paid off, whatever the worst happens, you will always have a roof over your head. Thats pretty important!!

[Kopic]

Got the call, off to get the keys! Suddenly the insurance stuff feels so insignificant. What a feeling. 

 

This thread has been so helpful, haven't posted much but when I have you have all been so helpful, cheers all!

[Hollism]

42 minutes ago, Kopic said:

Got the call, off to get the keys! Suddenly the insurance stuff feels so insignificant. What a feeling. 

 

This thread has been so helpful, haven't posted much but when I have you have all been so helpful, cheers all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nah I'm joking. Chuffed for you mate and completely echo what you say about this thread.

[Hollism]

Actually looks like it’s gonna happen!

 

We went into the bank and they printed a closure statement, which was scanned and emailed over. Bonus requested in time

 

Apparently we are now waiting for the sellers solicitor to provide the completion statement, and as long as it matches what is expected, they’ll send ours over to pay the deposit and it’ll be all systems go 

[HighPeakFox]

32 minutes ago, Hollism said:

Actually looks like it’s gonna happen!

 

We went into the bank and they printed a closure statement, which was scanned and emailed over. Bonus requested in time

 

Apparently we are now waiting for the sellers solicitor to provide the completion statement, and as long as it matches what is expected, they’ll send ours over to pay the deposit and it’ll be all systems go 

[danny.]

Woo! Nice one

 

[The Blur]

1 hour ago, Hollism said:

Actually looks like it’s gonna happen!

 

We went into the bank and they printed a closure statement, which was scanned and emailed over. Bonus requested in time

 

Apparently we are now waiting for the sellers solicitor to provide the completion statement, and as long as it matches what is expected, they’ll send ours over to pay the deposit and it’ll be all systems go 

 

Brilliant!  Pleased for you and @Kopic

[Milo]

On 16/12/2021 at 14:28, Izzy said:

Re. paying your mortgage off early, I stumbled on this bloke a few months ago. He's very American/right wing/conservative/religious/in your face etc. but I love his approach. His views have shifted my mindset on debt and I'm working like a trojan to pay my mortgage off while cutting other costs left, right, and center. I'm on a mission and it feels good.

 

 

Interesting listen, thanks.

 

I suppose it depends a bit on what type of mortgage you have, and maybe what you are comfortable with risking by investing. 

 

We are on some weird legacy mortgage that the lender has been trying to get us off for years  - it makes way much more sense for us to invest any surplus rather than pay of off the remainder of our mortgage. 

 

We moved house exactly this time last year and the lender was playing silly buggers, not allowing us to borrow or even port it across! They saw sense when I pointed out the terms of the contract we had with them! Even then they made it as difficult as possible for us. 

 

Anyway - for us, it's better to chuck any extra into an investment plan. Always worth checking options with a FA before deciding what to do. 

 

I agree with cutting down on the expenses - I try and do it every now and again and always find it amazing what the family outgoings are on unnecessary things.

 

  

[Hollism]

As of 2pm today, we’re homeowners!

 

Also found out that the previous owners are Forest STHs

 

 

Hahahahaha your village is Blue, your village is bluuuuuuuue 

[FoyleFox]

2 hours ago, Hollism said:

As of 2pm today, we’re homeowners!

 

Also found out that the previous owners are Forest STHs

 

 

Hahahahaha your village is Blue, your village is bluuuuuuuue 

Brilliant news. 

 

And you've completed home improvements already 

[weller54]

4 hours ago, Hollism said:

As of 2pm today, we’re homeowners!

 

Also found out that the previous owners are Forest STHs

 

 

Hahahahaha your village is Blue, your village is bluuuuuuuue 

Don't forget to get rentakill in first before you move in.

[Ian Nacho]

I’ve been looking at some flats in Leicester. Seen some near the Curve that look decent for around £100k-£125k but have an annual service charge + ground rent of £4k. Seems madness why anyone would pay that much when the going rate for those fees is around £1.5k.