UPDATE – Estate Agent gave the keys to my old house to the buyers before completion. They’ve flooded it.

Update on My Recent Home Sale Saga: A Twist of Events

Dear Readers,

I wanted to take a moment to provide an update regarding my recent experience with the sale of my home, which I shared on a forum not too long ago. Your insights were invaluable, and I genuinely appreciate the support.

The sale reached a successful conclusion yesterday, but not without a few unexpected developments. Just a day after my initial post, all keys to the property were returned to me. While the agency did not officially confirm it, there are strong indications that the estate agent who prematurely handed over the keys has been let go. Whether this is an official action or merely a gesture to placate me remains uncertain. Regardless, I am in contact with the Ombudsman regarding the matter, though responses have been slow due to ongoing COVID-related delays. To be frank, I don’t anticipate any significant outcomes from this process.

I revisited the house on Thursday to assess the situation. Unfortunately, it appears the only major damages are to the carpet and laminate flooring. The carpet emanates a musty odor, while the laminate flooring in the kitchen and dining area has suffered significant warping. Even though a part of me wished for more extensive damage to underscore the impact of the situation, I suppose I’ll have to settle for what occurred.

The buyers, upon learning of the mishap, attempted to allege that the damage had been caused by me out of spite. Fortunately, this claim was quickly alleviated when they were informed that their deposit would be at risk if they attempted to back out of the purchase. As of now, I have not received any information regarding whether they hold insurance that might cover the damages.

In a surprising turn, the estate agency has agreed to waive their entire fee as compensation for this misstep. It’s a silver lining, and I’m contemplating using this financial reprieve to finally purchase that new sofa my partner has been desiring for some time now.

In conclusion, while this update may not be as dramatic as some might imagine, it has certainly been a learning experience. Thank you all once again for your support. I hope that my story offers some insight and reassurance to those navigating similar challenges.

Best regards!