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

Title: A Bumpy Journey to Home Sale Completion: An Unexpected Turn of Events

Hello, dear readers!

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the invaluable guidance I received from everyone on my previous post regarding the sale of my home. It’s been quite a whirlwind, and I’m here to share some updates about this unexpected journey.

The sale of my property was finalized yesterday, which marked the end of a rather tumultuous chapter. Shortly after my last update, I received all the keys back, and there were strong hints that the estate agent responsible for the mishap may no longer be with the firm. While I’m uncertain about the details—whether they’ve truly faced consequences or if this was just a reassurance for me—I do intend to follow up with the Ombudsman. However, with the current state of affairs due to COVID-19, it seems progress will be slow, and I’m managing my expectations accordingly.

I returned to the house one last time on Thursday for a final check. Unfortunately, I discovered some lasting effects from the incident, primarily concerning the carpet and laminate flooring. The carpet now carries an unpleasant moldy odor, while the kitchen and dining area’s laminate has become warped and unsightly. Although part of me wished for more significant damage to substantiate my grievances, I recognize I should be grateful for what I have.

Interestingly, it seems the new buyers attempted to place blame on me for the condition of the house, suggesting I had caused the damage intentionally. Their claims were swiftly dismissed by the agents when they were informed that they would risk losing their deposit if they pursued that line of argument. There has been no indication as to whether they held insurance for the damages, leaving a lingering uncertainty.

On a more positive note, the agents have agreed to waive their entire commission fee, which is a relief. I’m considering using the proceeds from this decision to purchase a new sofa for my partner—something she’s been eager to have.

In summary, this update might seem rather uneventful, but it feels good to finally put this ordeal behind me. Thank you once again for your support, and I hope my experience offers some insight or comfort to others facing similar challenges in their real estate journeys.