A part of home buying and selling process is a final walkthrough performed by the buyer – to make sure the property is in about the same condition as the day of contract. Ideally it gets done a couple of days before settlement – if the home is vacant. A lot of times sellers move out a day before settlement – so the buyer has to do it the day of settlement. Everyone HATES surprises on the day of settlement. Everyone LOVES a smooth settlement. So how can we reduce surprises? Taking care of wall damage from hanging things can help. Should that be fixed? I’ve ran into this issue a couple of times this year and wanted to address it.
It’s a very gray area – as functionally nothing is wrong, but depending on the damage it can require a painter and $$$. So it’s a battle of opinions and the more stubborn party will probably win. It’s really not that complicated though, if sellers put buyers in their shoes and ask – “If I was doing a final walkthrough and saw THIS – would I be OK with that? Would that make me happy?” Normal nail holes will probably be Ok, but unfinished patch work probably won’t be. Not that complicated.
The removal of a TV mount is more complicated. Nowhere in the contract does it say that you need to fix the wall damage. But I think you should. I believe in Karma. Probably not a very logical reason to do it, but if everyone is happy and have good feelings at settlement – that’s priceless. A pleasant memory to last for years. So let’s play nice!
Of course – if you have any questions in regards to your final walkthrough or anything Arlington, VA real estate related – please contact me!