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The purpose of a buyer's final walk-through of a property just prior to close is to verify that the seller has maintained the property in the same condition as when the buyer went into contract. It's also to make sure that the seller has completed any negotiated repairs. 

Generally a walk through is scheduled within seven days before the closing.  A walk-through is important-- you don't want to close on your new home then move in to find scratched hardwood floors from when the Seller moved out, or trash left in the garage. Other problems I've seen come up during walk throughs are doggie-doo in back yards, removal of attached appliances (like microwaves) or even the removal of walls and doors (!).

A walk-through cannot serve as recourse so you can get out of the contract. It's sole purpose is to verify property condition.  However, If the property has not been maintained, or the seller hasn't completed the required repairs (or not done them properly), you and your agent should try to get the seller to make the corrections prior to close of escrow (COE).  

If repairs cannot be completed on time, you can:                        

A.  Extend the close of escrow to allow seller time to do the work.              

B. Negotiate a credit from seller for buyer to complete the work after close of escrow. The amount of the credit should be enough for you to complete the repairs or maintenance.              

C. Have seller and buyer agree to a hold-back of funds for seller to complete the work after close of escrow. We try to avoid this last option-- things can get very sticky when the seller or the seller's contractors hae to come out to work on your new home. We've often had instances where the seller never completes the work, delays on doing the work, or our client and the seller don't agree on how the work should be done.    

If issues arise during the walk-through that can't be resolved, you may cancel the contract. But this last resort should only be taken with the advice of an attorney who can  confirm that the seller actually is in breach of the contract because of seller's actions or failure to act.

Dreaming of San Francisco? Cece Blase offers local Advice to San Francisco Buyers, Sellers and Owners-- and feeds the dreams of those who wish they could live in Tony Bennet's 'City by the Bay.' Call or email at 415-577-0809 or email at cblase@paragon-re.com. www.ceceblase.com

 
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9 Comments on What's a "Walk Through?"

AUG
27
2010
441,825 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cece,

Unfortunately I don't even know how many times the buyers will come and not do the walk through until the morning of the closing! I mean if you find something you have no choice but to delay closing.  Most of time they pull up to closing with a moving van following them practically.  You would think they could plan a little more ahead. 

12:19am • #1
648,083 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nicely done - and recommended for a feature... and a reblog!  Thanks!

12:21am • #2
1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

Cece... I have been to many, many "walk-thru's..." which some of the better builders call "buyer introductions."  It has been my experience that if there is anything not yet completed that, depending on the reputation of the builder, they really need to get these items completed before closing and funding.

It is such a joy to attend a REAL "buyer introduction" where the builder has taken both the time and energy to make the home actually sparkle... with no incomplete items.  That is also, as you know, a great way for the builder to get referrals.

By the way... great dress on that model.  I remember when I could actually "fit" into one of those.  :)

12:22am • #3
142,559 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Excellent post and information. Larry, many buyers will often wait to perform this exercise just prior to closing to insure no additional damage has occurred by vacating sellers or their movers.

12:33am • #4
167,266 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It is usually customary for my buyers to go to a final inspection a couple of days prior to closing when most of the seller's items if not all, are already removed.  If you were to be there a week before the closing, there are too many things that can happen in the process of moving.  I also go just before the closing for a quick run through to get the keys and make sure that everything is cleaned out and ready to go. Great post.  I chose the feature button too.

12:34am • #5

Cece, thanks for the informative post.

12:52am • #6
128,566 Points

Thank you for sharing and posting your informative article.

7:08am • #7
989,629 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

CeCe, very nicely done article. So well done in fact that I gave it a reblog. Thanks for allowing us to do that~!

2:35pm • #8
AUG
28
2010
300,593 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cece - An excellent topic to address.  In this day and age there is so much going on with deadlines due to financing etc... sometimes the basics are overlooked.  The sooner the better IMHO to address the shortfalls.  A buyer should never be met with avoidable surprises.

3:09am • #9

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Cece Blase

San Francisco, CA

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Paragon Real Estate Group

Address: 1400 Van Ness, San Francisco, CA, 94102

Cell Phone: (415) 577-0809

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San Francisco Real Estate Expert Offers Local Advice to San Francisco Buyers, Sellers and Owners-- and feeds the dreams of those who wish they could live in Tony Bennet's 'City by the Bay.'


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