Walk throughs in existing properties and walk throughs in new developments are vastly different from one another. In the former, the inspection of “used” properties is scheduled just before closing, but very often, it occurs on the way to a closing. Generally, buyers and their brokers, along with sellers’ brokers, allow twenty minutes to walk through a space to see that the home is delivered “broom clean” as specified in the contract, and that nothing has changed measurably from the time of contract signing. The walk through serves as the buyer’s opportunity to visually inspect that no wear and tear was caused by the seller’s move out and that no damage resulted from fire or leaks. It’s also the time to see whether light fixtures and draperies that were included in the sale are in place, and that original door knobs or other expected details have not been removed. If there are problems, the closing can be postponed, or money can be put in escrow until corrections are made.
