being let down by soliciotors

I don't think the Estate Agent had any business telling you you should be in by Christmas, there's a lot more to buying a house than probate being granted!

What about the missing deeds? That will take time as even if they're found fairly soon they'll have to be checked and gone through to see if there are any problems.

If you want this house and you're happy to wait then do so, just keep checking with your solicitor regularly how things are progressing, you have to chase them sometimes.

I think the estate agent was being optimistic because Probate can take ages to be sorted out and then the missing deeds throw up another problem.

How much do you want this house? Are there any others that suit your taste and budget?

I would have a look at what else is on the market in your chosen area. In some areas prices have come down and not much is selling.
You could snap up a bargain.

Your solicitor might only charge for out of pocket expenses, rather than their services, if you find somewhere else and still use them for the conveyancing.

Thanks all. Ana, I realize that now about what the estate agent told me. I have a feeling they just wanted me to keep thinking positive, as I am a cash buyer and they did inform me that they had never had this experience before, so it is a learning process.
I have now asked my nephew to see if he can sort it out any quicker, as he has a conveyancing firm, which I did use before, but thought not this time as last time, after a month, I decided against purchasing a house.
I have been searching for others, but it took me so long to find this one and now the prices of houses have gone up since we first started to look, that was when my late husband was still alive. There is an interesting over 55s small estate being built, but they will not be ready until next summer.
I know so many were after the same property so the vendor will not have any problem selling it at I expect a higher price to pay for all the work that has had to be done.
At least I know I have this rented one, as last year I was still with my son after the death of my husband.

Cath9 I have had a lot of dealings with solicitors over the years as I have owned a lot of properties. To say they one of my least favourite people is an under statement!!!
The part of your post that stands out is * and there were many after it*
I can't state on a public forum what I think is going on here, but if you really really want this property and can cope with the stress that will ensue while this is going through probate, hang on in there.