Currently buying/selling a house? How is it going? READ MOD NOTE POST #1

We used them for two purchases and very thorough report, great communication throughout.

Yes, pre-closing walkthrough is fairly standard & is a good way to ensure things you asked for were actually done like clearing out the attic etc..

I'm surprised to hear that, to be honest if an EA was refusing any surveyor access it would set alarm bells for me.

When we bought for a second time I was hesitant to use them again as they were a couple of hundred more than the next quote we got, but it is the most expensive purchase of your life, it's worth gathering as much information as possible to ensure you're not buying a house with expensive issues to remediate - or at least if you are, you know it in advance.

So we're still waiting on the vendor solicitors replies to the pre-contract enquiries. The vendors solicitors say they sent them, our solicitors say they didn't receive them (over 2 weeks now since our solicitor went back to them, very basic technicality queries).

We and the vendors are teaming up to keep the pressure on solicitors on both sides to get things going, vendors are going mad because the house they're buying is empty now and they're ready to go.

Surely they can just resend the email?

Congratulations, I've seen you posting a lot on this thread over the time I've been following it myself, it is a great feeling to finally have the keys in hand isn't it. Enjoy your new home!

Our buyers were with them and the closing date came and went without the funds being released, it took almost 2 weeks after the closing date for their final checks to be finalised and I've no idea how long before the closing date those checks were ongoing. It was maddening but we would never have pulled out over it, they'd be mad to do that this close to the finish line.

In our case as buyers ourselves using KBC, I contacted them on twitter and they gave me a direct phone number to the drawdown team who were extremely helpful and gave me precise days that X would happen. Maybe there is a similar contact number for PTSB? Twitter is usually a good place to get a fast response from businesses.

It depends on their own circumstances surely; if they're in a chain then they most likely have to wait until their next house is available, and if they're reliant on the sale of their current house to fund their next purchase, well they'd have to close the sale before they can close the purchase.. in some instances this happens on the same day. We emptied ours and put everything into storage to meet the buyers closing date as we didn't want to risk losing them while we waited for our next house to get through probate. Every circumstance is different.

If the house is unoccupied they may have it 'staged' for sale with some furniture, but that can be removed whenever they think it necessary. The house we bought was unoccupied but the vendors left a small amount of furniture in it until a week or two before we closed.

I would imagine an empty house is easier to sell in that potential buyers see the vendor is not in need of alternative accommodation before they can close a sale. Rooms also look bigger without furniture in them. Why would you think they're more difficult to sell?

Are you moving to another property nearby/in the same country? If so, your solicitor can arrange for the closing date to suit you in line with your next home. This would avoid any need for storage.

All this waiting is killing me. Into the 3rd week of our solicitor waiting for replies to his pre-contract enquiries from the vendor solicitors. The vendor solicitors told the vendors (who we're in touch with) that they sent the replies early last week, our solicitors say they haven't received anything. They then contacted the vendors solicitors again...and are still waiting for a reply. 🙄

Our solicitor has been on leave last week and this week so dunno if that's delaying things.

Were given a provisional closing date of August 3rd but don't see that happening now :(

UPDATE: I knew if I ranted loudly enough anonymously on a dying message forum I'd get results. Got an email that the contracts are ready to be signed!!!😁

I got a quote of €620 from them yesterday. Does that seem reasonable?

How much should I expect to be paying for a structural survey?

When buying a new build is it advisable to get a Structural Building Regulations Review (such as those offered by Property Health Check) and a snagger seperately?

I paid 576 for a 3 bed terraced house.

Are you with our solicitor by any chance? Same situation here- waiting for pre contract questions to be answered and is forever. Rang them - got a lecture their time is precious. And just waiting and waiting and waiting...

Ya ours is a 4 bed with an extension in Laois.