New Mum is Ghosted and Gutted

Hi Scott,

I’ve been trying to sell an investment property since early 2024. A buyer came through, signed everything, and I was told the contract was unconditional. But they only paid $1,000, not a real deposit, and kept stalling on settlement. Weeks dragged into months. The tenants moved out, so we were bleeding money with zero rent, still paying the mortgage.

So I found a lawyer, despite the expense – I just couldn’t watch that nasty person walk away free. Well, the lawyer couldn’t even verify the buyer. The name was ‘Jenny Tren’, but there was no ID on file and no way to trace her. We couldn’t sue. I’ve copped thousands in losses – two advertising campaigns, legal fees, settlement costs, months of mortgage repayments – and relentless stress. I’m giving birth to my second baby next week, and I’m still lying awake at 5am thinking about this mess. Who do I speak to? Can I track this ghost?

A furious, sleep-deprived mum-to-be

Hello Mum-to-be,

Bloody hell, what a mess.

No wonder you’re awake at 5am. You’ve been screwed around by amateurs who couldn’t sell a sandpit.

Seriously, a thousand bucks down and no ID? It sounds like your real estate agent thought they were flogging a Labradoodle on Gumtree, not handling a property sale.

Now most property sales require a 10% deposit. It’s not just a tradition, it’s a form of protection: if the buyer bails, you keep the cash. But in your case they vanished into thin air and left you holding the bill.

Something stinks here, and it’s your agent who stepped on the turd. 

Here’s my advice. Have your lawyer ask the agent for a full written statement: specifically, how they vetted the buyer, why they let that tiny deposit slide, and why no ID was ever collected. If they are found negligent, the agent’s professional indemnity insurance may cover your losses.

Good luck with the new bub. This is one dirty nappy that you don’t have to change. It’s their mess – make them clean it up!

Scott