So you are selling your property. Solicitors are a common complaint for many selling their home. Some individuals have advised us that it took 9 months to complete! That's a whole child!
With this in mind, what can you do to speed along the process?
As self proclaimed property experts, with a full legally trained team (meaning we all studied Law and some of us even practiced) we know how to get sales over the line in under 4 months. So if you don't choose Drummonds Property Limited (even though we're deeply saddened that you didn't), here's what you can do.
Step 1
Make sure you know the name of your solicitor and your paralegal.
This may seem obvious to you, however you'd be surprised at how many individuals do not know that tiny detail. They were onboarded by the new business team with a contact and they never ensured they knew who their case handler was or will be.
Also, most solicitors will not do the day to day chasing of your sale. It will be delegated to a paralegal. So ensure you know who these two individuals are. Make sure you have their direct dials (if they have this) and their email addresses.
Step 2
Set a date.
Now this date may not always be achieveable, but if you're prepared and you've told your solicitor and estate agent everything about your property, it is very doable. Here at Drummonds Property Limited, we aim for two months' from the mortgage offer.
Tell your solicitor this date and tell them you want to complete by this date.
The race is now on to complete by this date! May the odds forever be in your favour!
Step 3
Set reminders.
Now we're not suggesting you bombard your solicitor on a daily basis (although for some key points you may need to), we believe 5 working days is sufficient. Aim to have a catch up with your solicitor every 5 working days until the process is completed. They have a heavy caseload, out of sight out of mind. Also, they're not very great at chasing things that are requested. You'll need to help them along.
Step 4
Speaking of requested items. They will need you to complete a TA6 and TA10. These forms are the property information form and fixtures & fittings form respectively.
To smooth out this process, your estate agent should have got you to complete something similar when they obtained your property. So your estate agent should be able to help you complete these documents should you need this.
Your solicitor needs to know everything there is to know about your property, from when did you buy it to your unique property reference number.
Think also about what you're leaving in the property, something as simple as lightbulbs or plants in the garden could lead to a breach of contract, if you haven't specified this.
Step 5
Get your documents together.
Do you have all your utility information? Do you have any charges other than a mortgage on the house? Have you had a gas safe, boiler service or electrical certificate done? You will need an EPC before your property can even be listed for sale.
Some mortgage providers request gas safety certificates and electrical certificates. We suggest if you're selling just getting these things done at the beginning, saves a small delay in the long run.
Step 6
You've onboarded, know who your contacts are, scheduled your catch ups, you've set a date and you have all your documentation ready to go. What's next?
Your estate agent should have been in touch to let you know when the homebuyers survey and the mortgage survey is being undertaken. Once the mortgage survey has been completed, you now need to chase your solicitor for confirmation that the mortgage offer has been received, and check that your draft contract has been submitted to the buyer's solicitor.
By the way, if you have a good legally trained estate agent you don't need to do any of these steps ;), we'll do all the chasing for you.
Step 7
Check with your solicitor whether the buyers solicitors have applied for searches, and whether any enquiries have been received.
Back and forth on enquiries can take a long time, this is why you need your documentation ready and need to know everything there is about your property to satisfy the enquiries. The conveyancing process cannot move any further until these have been satisfied. Confirm with your solicitor that they have sent the responses, ask to be cc'd so you can ensure it has been done.
Step 8
You should be ready to sign all transfer documents and agree an exchange and completion date.
Sometimes exchange and completion can be on the same day, sometimes it can be within a couple days.
Check in with your solicitor to ensure this process goes smoothly, push for your date that you set at the onset to be matched. Some solicitors do not like to provide a date until they're very sure everything has been completed on their side. Ensure you have provided everything required, and signed and posted everything that's been requested from you.
There are varying other factors for the above, especially if you have a leasehold property. However, by following the above you will definitely speed up your process, even if it is a leasehold property.
Now to truly expedite your process, give us a call 0208 138 1990.
Comentários