For many residential buyers, a final walk-through helps to refresh their memory about the property they hope to soon own, allowing them to plan for their first days of occupancy. Typically, final walk-through inspections allow buyers to head to the closing table with confidence.
Occasionally, final walk-throughs lead to the discovery of new defects or damages caused as the seller vacated the premises. Those concerns can potentially lead to a new round of negotiations or a delayed closing.
What options do buyers have after finding new damages?
Maybe the moving company broke a window or knocked holes in drywall. Perhaps the seller removed appliances even though the house was listed with a full kitchen suite.
The nature of the issues identified during the walk-through influences how the buyer should respond. If the property is not in the condition outlined in the signed agreements due to the removal of appliances or fixtures, buyers may be able to demand the return of the removed items or negotiate compensation to offset the impact of replacing the lost items.
In cases involving damages caused in the last weeks of occupancy or the move-out process, either the seller or their moving company could be liable for the cost of repairs. Buyers may need to negotiate with sellers. They may even need to delay or cancel the closing if the seller refuses to take responsibility for the issues identified in the final walk-through.
Buyers should not have to absorb additional expenses because sellers do not address damages or uphold their promises regarding the condition of the property and the contents of a home. Reviewing the issues and the purchase agreement with a real estate lawyer can help concerned buyers assert their rights before their scheduled closing.