Mitchell helped the reviewer buy this property

Item: Mitchell Seamer
Rating: 2
Author: Carmel Davies

Price not available

5 Willmott Close

Halls Head

House

7 months ago

Verified Review

Disappointing end to property purchase

Mitch was the agent for the sellers of the property we purchased in October this year. He initially was great with communication and information (especially as we were overseas for the first week after offering). At times he was did not communicate with us directly however he seems to have a team behind him doing all the administration, so things still got done. As we got closer to the settlement and arranged the pre-settlement inspection things became frustrating. The pre-settlement inspection was completed prior to the owners moving their things fully out of the property. Therefore, small details could not be picked up. What was highlighted however was the property was in a very unclean state (mouldy showers, hair in bathroom plugs, gas hob ignition hindered by the amount of build up around cook plates, marks on walls in bedrooms) and there was no commitment to have it professionally cleaned by the owners. When we communicated our shock and disappointment (especially after paying $60K over the asking price), Mitch told us we were being rude and then reverted to policy i.e. "the owners have no legal obligation to clean the property". True colours shown.... We were also told by Mitch that he didn't have a full set of keys from the owners at the pre-settlement inspection and that all would be handed over after settlement. Our representative picked up the keys from Mitch after settlement had completed and found that there were no keys for the door from the kitchen into the garage. The garage was open in one section which meant we had no way of securing our property (and being able to access it from the outside again). Lack of detail on his behalf which meant we had to get the lock replaced quickly at cost to us. Overall, it was an emotional transaction when it didn't need to be.

Carmel Davies

Buyer

Thank you for your feedback, I am genuinely sorry to hear that you were disappointed with parts of your experience. While I’m happy to hear your initial comments regarding communication and support from myself and my team, I’d like to respectfully address some of the concerns raised, as they don't accurately reflect the events as they occurred. The final inspection was scheduled before the sellers finished their vacate and clearly communicated at the time. As you were interstate, we arranged for your property manager and family to attend and video call you. The sellers moved out and left the property clean before settlement. Though a professional clean isn’t contractually required, I still raised it with the sellers as a courtesy. In our call after the final inspection, I asked for respectful dialogue after repeated negative comments were made about my Sellers character, whom you hadn’t met. I only referred to policy once that boundary was crossed and after you requested a clean at the sellers' cost. As for the keys, the sellers confirmed on multiple occasions that all keys were left. The kitchen door lock ultimately needed replacing to meet rental standards, regardless of key availability. I believe it is only fair to note some of the privileges outside of contractual obligations I negotiated on your behalf with the sellers: • The sellers sharing their marketing package of photos and floor plans free of cost to allow you to advertise the property for rent • The sellers allowing you to market the property for rent online prior to settlement to allow you to secure a tenant quickly • The seller handing over the keys on the day of settlement as you requested, when they didn't have to until lunchtime the next day While I appreciate emotions can run high during property transactions, my role is to facilitate the process professionally and fairly for all parties. I wish you all the best with your investment property.

Mitchell responded on 20 Oct 2025