Why is it that some firms tell you they are ready to exchange contracts – but then when you think you have the green light to get the exchange of contracts done, they tell you they need to “have the file signed off first”?
Why not tell me you’ll be ready to exchange contracts subject to getting the file signed off?
I’ve told the other parties in the chain – my clients and the estate agents – that we’re all ready to go, only to have to then tell them we’re not ready after all.
I appreciate that some firms need a higher body to approve an exchange of contracts but it could be dealt with differently.
Are these the firms which are always slower? Are these the firms that make our hearts sink when we know that they’re in a chain? Is there a table (like a football league) of good firms? I’m not advocating there should be any such table, but we all know which firms we do and don’t like working with.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I silently cheer when I see there’s a good – probably local – firm acting for the other party.
Does anyone else feel the same?
This column is written by a real high street conveyancer who wishes to remain anonymous. The views expressed are those of the author and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.
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