Unfortunately, I occasionally have a client call me after a purchase has closed to let me know that there was damage in the house – a broken railing, a damaged pool filter, or even that the vendor took all of the light fixtures and curtain rods.
If you arrive at your new home and something is missing or damaged, you can always call your lawyer. He or she will review the agreement to confirm that missing items should have been left, and can follow up with the vendor’s lawyer about compensating you for repairs that you will have to make. I also recommend scheduling your final walk-through for the day before closing or the day of closing, because if something is damaged at that point, it is possible to arrange for a holdback on the vendor’s money to cover repair costs, which will make it easier for you to be reimbursed if you have to hire someone to fix damage or replace a broken item.
