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4
There is no such thing as an exchange date
Now with that said, exchange of contracts is the goal as it the point of the process where all parties are legally bound to complete, however there isn't an exchange date, only a completion date. You'll have an easy conveyance if you work towards a realistic completion date. If you do this then exchange of contracts will happen as soon as your solicitor is ready to exchange.
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5
Don't be pressurised by the estate agent
Buyers are often placed under pressure by the selling agent to get to exchange; sometimes when getting to exchange isn't in the buyer's best interest. This pressure could influence your decisions or add additional stress when all you are looking for is an easy conveyance and to not end up owning a property that you can't sell in the future.
The Property Ombudsman states in the Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents:
"18a Aggressive Behaviour. Here are some illustrative examples of aggressive behaviour or practices. It is not an exhaustive list. In each case, the test is whether the average consumer’s freedom of choice or conduct is (or would be likely to be) impaired and, as a result, they take (or would be likely to take) a different transactional decision. When you gain new clients and instructions, when you market property, when you negotiate and make sales...
"...Pressurising (for example by persistent and/or aggressive telephone calls) the buyer to act quickly to put in an offer, raise their price, skip the survey, finalise the sale and/or exchange contracts.
If you are placed under any pressure then get your solicitor to update the estate agent and protect you from their pressure. If you are using SAM Conveyancing, and you are being placed under pressure, then we will do this for you so call us on 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).
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6
Don't save a penny at the expense of a pound
A property survey isn't mandatory, so for some buyers it is seen as a money saver. According to RICS, home buyers spend £5,750 on average on repairs once moved into their new home, so you should look to get a surveyor to ensure you aren't one of the unlucky ones; a £5,750 repair bill would be very stressful when you've only just moved in.
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7
Know what to do and when to do it
Not knowing what is going on throughout the conveyancing process adds stress to the process. When should you get your building insurance, who do you collect keys from on completion? When do you need to pay your solicitor your deposit? What happens if you are getting a gifted deposit?
Things are always the scariest when you haven't done them before so use online conveyancing guides to keep you up to date throughout the process; always knowing what to do and when to do it. You can use our conveyancing process to keep up to date throughout your move.
