Dirk P

Lack of communication leading to significant losses

My experience with Herold Gie was highly disappointing. As the conveyancers tasked with facilitating the transfer of a property, they failed to uphold their end of the agreement. Despite our sales contract clearly stipulating a transfer date as close as possible to 28/02/2024, they neglected to inform me of any delays. When I reached out on 21/02/2024 to confirm the transfer for the specified date, I was reassured that everything was on track, and consequently signed a lease agreement 2 days later. However, despite being aware that I had signed a lease agreement, on the crucial day of 28/02/2024, I couldn't even reach my conveyancing attorneys despite multiple calls between 10:00 and 15:00. The estate agent was also not informed of any delay, neither was the seller. It wasn't until the following day, 29/02/2024, that they returned my call and divulged to me that there had been a delay in presenting the necessary documents at the Deeds Office. The documents were only handed in on 06/03/2024. This complete lack of communication and failure to meet the agreed-upon timeline had significant repercussions. Not only did it inconvenience me, but it also affected the seller, who lost approximately R2500 PER DAY in potential interest due to the delay. It is important to note that the delay was NOT at the Deeds Office, but rather in the presentation of the necessary documents from Herold Gie to the Deeds Office. Furthermore, Herold Gie withheld interest payable to me for the purchase sum held by them, which was forced out of the unfortunate seller by threatening legal action. When I finally received the Title deeds, there were mistakes on the dates of the title deeds, which Herold Gie refused to correct. Overall, the unprofessionalism, poor performance and communication from Herold Gie had detrimental effects on both myself and the seller. I would strongly advise against entrusting them with any legal matters.