First time flat buying: C or D

I can't wait to get mine, but it's taking SO LONG!!!!!!

I put the offer in on the 17th August, I've only had verbal confirmation that we've got a mortgage (going half with my dad, yes I know I'm very lucky) valuation's gone through, but nothing else has happened. Apparently my solicitor has started the searches, but apart from finding out that her solicitors have got the deeds back from her mortgage lenders we haven't heard anything from the seller's side of things.

At least in Scotland, once the offer's been accepted that's it, and you know it's yours. God know's when (and still possibly if) I'll get to move in. Hopefully before I'm made homeless at the end of october!

Just think of all the benefits - (obviously some depend on you living there on your own) no queue for the bathroom, no-one leaving pots in the sink for days/weeks, you only have to listen to the music you like, watch the tv you want to watch, no tiptoing around, you can do what the hell you like to the walls, paint them whatever colour you want, have decent stuff without worrying about someone breaking it.....

I can't wait! (except I'll have to rent the spare room out to pay the mortgage, but never mind)

I've been quite surprised how unstrssful it's been. Actually, I've probably blanked out the manic saturday viewings already, especially the one with my parents in tow, and It's not finished yet. I think first time buying is probably more classic than the second one. Chains, yuk!

Vicky - I don't want to panic you, but if you really want it to happen you need to push like hell to get yr solicitor and everyone else in the chain moving. There is so much that can go wrong that if you really want it you'll have to be really on top of every detail YOURSELF!

(BTW Has yr offer been accepted it's not clear from yr post?)

I know that's what you pay your solicitor for, but IMHO (I've bought 3 properties) they regard a simple conveyancing job as just pin-money and really don't do anything to earn it. They sit back and wait for things to happen and pick up the cash at the end. They don't EVER, EVER, ring you back when they say they will either. SO - you have to get (almost) daily status reports - what documents are where etc to make it happen. If you think it's not moving fast enough then first try and find out as much as you can about the sellers position (are they in an upward chain, where are they moving, what deadlines have they got).

Ideally you should be on direct speaking terms with the seller so that you can avoid going via bullshit lying solictors. You can then agree on a route that will make it easier for both parties to get to completion and sort of 'team up against the solictors'. If you're both pushing it will help. No matter how friendly and straightforward they are, don't give away too much about your own situation (deadlines, financial stuff etc) - tell them everything's all right at your end and you want to exchange contracts by a certain date.

Sorry if you already know all this, or if I've stressed you out. I just thought it might help.

probably not, but I personally don't understand that. I've had to make heaps of financial sacrifices to be able to afford my house, but what I've lost in spending ability has been more than made up for in other lifestyle ways. Renting absolutely sucked and was never really worth it.

The offer has been accepted, and there's no chain. She's already bought a place, and I am a first time buyer. I don't want to chase as we haven't got a mortgage offer yet (hopefully it's lying on the mat at home) Because my dad's got his own business the building society kept coming back to him asking for more info. Once that's come through then I'll push like hell.

The estate agents have been in touch to check everything's going smoothly. I did want to get her details, and the estate agent said she wanted mine. i told him that he could give my phone number to her, but I haven't had any contact from her so far.

I've suddenly realised that it's the end of sept, and things are getting a bit tight for moving in by the end of oct :0(

Still, only three people have looked at the house I'm renting, so I don't think it would be too hard for persuade the landlord to let me stay another couple of weeks, fingers crossed.

As you can tell, I have completely denied the memory of any hassles I may have had when buying this place. Decorating it, on the other hand, is a very different matter.

(/me starts gibberng uncontrollably)