Expert: Diann Tonnesen - 9/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Diann,


I'd like to get your thoughts on the following issue:

I am scheduled to close on a house this Tuesday.  The seller has not responded to all my questions and will not be present at the walk through to do so.  Nor will their agent.  They said they would be available right after the close as they are coming in from out of town (which I have my doubts on).  

My position is I do not want to have to rely on the good will of people I do not know.  If that means pushing the time of the close back to later on in the day then that’s what I’d like to do.  But I want complete information on this house before I close.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
David

ANSWER: Hi David,

Personally I agree that you should have all your questions answered before the closing. Have you asked your agent if the closing can be postponed until the sellers are present? Or do you have a prepared list of questions already that they could possibly respond to via email? Depending on how your contract is written, there could be penalties assessed for a delay of closing and/or a delay may cause complications for your lender as well. So before refusing to close you need to find out all the possible ramifications.

What does your own agent say about this?

Diann

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response.

She wants me to trust that the seller will provide all my answers after closing.  She does not seem to think anything is wrong with that.  However, to address my concern she will try to schedule the close later in the day.

Is this common that neither the seller nor the seller's agent attends the walk through?  All 4 house transactions I've been involved with everyone was at the walk through and had complete info at the close.

Answer
Actually, it is quite common nowadays that only the buyer and the buyer's agent are present at the final walk through. Local customs vary, though. Here in Las Vegas we try to schedule the walk throughs 3 to 5 days prior to the closing date so that any questions/concerns can be addressed before the final recording. But that may not be the case in your location. Again, this is a question that you need to have your agent answer.

Hope this helps??? Good luck and I truly hope you enjoy your new home!