Greedy lawyer, bungling conveyancer

The nicest thing that happened today was that David from Virgin Home Loans rang to say that our home loan had been approved. The valuation had been sent in on the Saturday (now there’s an odd day of the week for someone to be working), and with that being the last step the funds for the loan were approved. He said he would contact Vickie, the Canberra conveyancer, and Virgin’s solicitors would send the relevant documentation regarding the home loan to Warrandyte.

Fay, our Warrandyte conveyancer, had got word from Melody’s solicitor about the change in settlement date. I was wondering if that was in response to me emailing our real estate agent, who made contact with them to arrange it, or was it just coincidence? Who knows, and who cares? The settlement date has been changed, and that was excellent news. However the bad news was that her solicitor will charge $300 to set up the documentation whereby we rent our property for $350 pw for the few days we have to stay past the settlement date. Fay said her solicitor is one of the most expensive in Melbourne. S was enraged at this fee. I expected a nominal fee, but not the $300. What sort of crap is this? Greedy lawyer.

I was pleased it was the last legal problem. Though, the idea of paying a fee on top of rent to rent my own house was burning at me throughout the day. Perhaps we should charge a $300 fee for a final inspection. We didn’t get our deposit from this buyer for so darn long, and I didn’t charge a fee. And now this. To point out that this is unfair is an understatement.

Two letters arrived. One from Fay – Transfer of Land, and a Goods Statement. Another letter arrived from Vickie confirming that contracts had been exchanged. The letter went on to say that “settlement will be on or before 19th May, next.” Hang on. Wasn’t May last month? It must be a typo. I liked the reference to when stamp duty had to be paid: “By this date, from sale proceeds in Victoria.” Which date was that? Oh, yes: “this date.” How more vague can you be? It was also interesting to see under the Insurance heading: “Lender’s name: Perpetual Limited.” I wonder where that came from as I had just insured the property with GIO. I’m not sure if there is any point in trying to work this out? It’s confusing. Though, mistakes such as the typo don’t extend your faith in the people managing your affairs.