A home seller on Reddit shared a story that left hundreds of real estate professionals and homeowners stunned.
Just hours before closing, the seller discovered that the buyers had brought contractors into the house and started renovation work without permission.
The seller wrote that the garage door was open, the key was still in the door, and materials from a renovation crew were inside.
When he contacted his realtor, the buyer’s agent claimed, “We just stopped by to get some measurements.”
But when the seller returned later, the contractors were back. He told them to leave unless the buyers sent over an agreement stating he wouldn’t be liable for any damage done that day.
When the seller confronted the buyer’s agent, she insisted her clients had the right to access the home because they had already signed their closing documents and their funds were with the title company.
The seller replied that a text message saying he wouldn’t be liable was not good enough. Despite the tense situation, he allowed the sale to close later that day.
‘This Was 100% a Violation’
People overwhelmingly agreed that the buyer’s agent was in the wrong, calling the early access a clear violation of real estate protocol.
One person wrote, “Until the deal closed, the buyers had no right to access the house beyond what was agreed upon.”
Another said, “Yes this is 100% a violation. There was an agent in our MLS that was suspended for 30 days because they let the buyer put an area rug in the house prior to closing.”
Several realtors urged the seller to report the agent for breaking industry rules.
“Please file an ethics complaint against this agent with the local Realtor board,” one person said.
Another added, “The buyer’s agent violated several articles in the Code of Ethics. Keys absolutely should not be passed prior to recording unless arrangements in writing signed by the parties have been made.”
Why It Matters
Under most state laws, a buyer does not legally own a home until the deal has officially closed and the transaction is funded and recorded.
As one user explained, “Until it is recorded with the county, that buyer does not own the home.”
That detail is critical because any injury or damage that occurs before the sale is finalized could leave the seller liable.
One person noted, “Let’s say one of those contractors started a fire or caused water damage in the house. The person who technically owned it at the time of damage would be liable. That is you.”
Common Advice From Agents
Dozens of commenters said they would remove the lockbox immediately once a sale goes under contract to prevent unauthorized access.
One realtor commented, “Once a contract is signed, a lockbox should be removed.” Another said, “The sale is not closed until all parties have signed. Period.”
Even those who admitted to having made similar mistakes as buyers in the past said they now understood why it was wrong.
One person wrote, “At the time I thought they were being unreasonable. But looking back it was totally a good idea not to have my stuff on their property.”
What This Means for Sellers and Agents
While a few commenters tried to downplay the incident, the overwhelming response made it clear: buyers have no legal right to access or alter a home before closing unless the seller has given written permission.
Simply signing documents or wiring funds does not transfer ownership; the home remains the seller’s responsibility until the deal is officially recorded.
Unauthorized access not only violates real estate protocols but also puts sellers at risk of liability if damage or injury occurs.
Several agents noted that actions like these can trigger disciplinary action, including ethics complaints, fines, or license suspension.