If you've ever watched a property programme on television, you'll probably think moving home goes something like this…
Monday – View a lovely house.
Tuesday – Offer accepted.
Wednesday – Pop into the bank.
Thursday – Pick up the keys.
Friday – Relax in the garden with a glass of wine wondering why everyone says moving is stressful.
If only!
The reality is usually a little different.
One day you're discussing kitchen colours, and the next you're wondering what on earth a "local authority search", "indemnity policy" or "flying freehold" actually is.
Welcome to the wonderful world of conveyancing.
"So… what's happening?"
One of the questions we hear most at Barbers is:
"We agreed the sale three weeks ago... why does it feel like nothing's happening?"
The honest answer?
Quite a lot is happening—you just can't see most of it.
Behind the scenes, solicitors are checking title plans, reviewing contracts, ordering searches, raising enquiries, reading replies to enquiries, asking more enquiries (because apparently one set is never enough!) and generally making sure you're buying exactly what you think you're buying.
It's a bit like an iceberg—90% of the work is hidden below the surface.
The Great Paperwork Olympics
Buying or selling a house seems to involve signing enough paperwork to qualify for a career in politics.
Just when you think you've finished...
"Could you sign this?"
"...and initial page 7."
"...and date page 12."
"...and complete another form confirming you've already completed the first form."
It may feel excessive, but returning paperwork promptly is one of the easiest ways to keep your move progressing.
The Chain
Ah yes... the property chain.
Imagine trying to organise eight families to go on holiday together.
Now imagine one family can't decide which week they'd like to go.
Another family is waiting for someone else to finish packing.
One has misplaced their passport.
Someone's car has broken down.
Someone else is waiting for their mortgage.
That's a property chain.
When everyone is ready at the same time, it's a wonderful thing.
When they're not... patience becomes your greatest asset.
"Can I Have the Keys Yet?"
Completion day is a little like waiting for exam results.
Everyone is constantly checking their phone.
Solicitors are waiting for money to arrive.
Estate agents are waiting for the solicitor's call.
Removal companies are drinking tea on the driveway.
Buyers are standing outside their new home hopefully looking at the front door.
And we know exactly what the next question will be...
"Can we collect the keys yet?"
Trust us—if we could hand them over any earlier, we absolutely would!
The moment we're authorised to release them, we'll be the first to let you know.
The Good News
Although moving home can sometimes feel like an endurance event, most sales do get there in the end.
The key ingredients are:
- A good solicitor.
- A proactive estate agent.
- Prompt paperwork.
- Regular communication.
- A little patience.
- And, occasionally... a sense of humour.
Finally...
At Barbers, we appreciate that buying or selling a home isn't just another transaction—it's one of the biggest events in your life.
So if you're wondering what's happening, have a question, or simply need someone to translate solicitor-speak into plain English, just give us a call.
We can't promise there won't be paperwork. We can't promise someone in the chain won't go on holiday at exactly the wrong moment.
But we can promise to keep you informed, keep everyone talking and do everything we can to help you get those keys into your hand as quickly as possible.
Because despite what the television tells us...Moving home isn't a one-hour programme. But the ending is usually worth the wait!
In-house conveyancing with Barbers
You often hear people talking about the stress of moving home. With so much to organise, it's hardly surprising. You'll need a reliable, local solicitor for your conveyancing – and we know just the team!
Get an online quote today