Must the buyer attend the final walk-through?
Dear Phyllis,
I recently purchased a home in La Crescenta. By the end of the process, and for a variety of reasons, I just didn’t want to have to meet the seller again. Although he knew I didn’t want to, when it was time for the last walk-through, my real estate agent pushed me to attend. I gave in to the pressure. And am still upset with what turned into one more unpleasant episode with the seller. Do you feel it was necessary for me to have to be put through that? Disgruntled home buyer
Dear Disgruntled,
Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster. Having sold real estate for more than two decades, I know that some escrows are less pleasant experiences than others. A buyer doesn’t have to attend the final walk-through. I recently had a client request that I attend the final walk-through for him, as he too didn’t want to meet with the seller.
It can work both ways. Years ago, I had a seller who refused to meet with the buyer for the final walk-through. The purpose of the final walk-through shortly before closing is for the buyer to verify that the condition of the home is basically in the same shape as when the buyer agreed to purchase. At that time, it is a courtesy for the seller to show the buyer how things around the home work.
To answer your question, in my opinion, it was not necessary for you to further escalate an unpleasant situation. But since I was not involved in your entire transaction, I can only give you my best guess.
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