I've done it many times without issue. But I do have clients sign a waiver that says they've asked me to do it and that I'm not liable for issues that a normal walk-though wouldn't show. 

Wanda yes we have and it's a video walk through. They do sign waiver that they didn't actually go through the home thou.

If a client cannot attend the walk-through, there is a waiver signed.  

I have..but not often..like Nina Hollander have them sign a waiver.

I'm with Nina Hollander on this one. 

I have but do it only as a last resort. It has happened only a few times because I request they use a friend or family member.

Hi Wanda - While it doesn't make us comfortable, if there's no one else, it's something we feel we need to do. And we have a paper trail disclaiming liability.

No.  Too much liability.

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin I would ask the clients to sign a waiver. It looks like Nina Hollander already answered this one.

Yes, I have never done it but I assume that someday you might have to. I guess there's a form for that!

Wanda,

I am with Nina Hollander on this one.  A

Its dicey but doable...

Disclose, disclose, disclose.  It is best to do the walk through and make sure the home is in acceptable condition rather then closing escrow and then finding out the home has changed.  That would make a court case and the agent would be liable.

Yes.  I also do them when the buyer is local.

Not on behalf of. After they waived the walk through in writing, I'm probably still going to look, just to make sure there's not going to be any surprises.

I have, but I Facetime the clients at the same time and have them electronically sign the Walk Thru Inspection Addendum at that time if all they see is acceptable. Do not take the burden of liability on yourself. If they are unwilling to do the above, then have them hire a Home Inspector to do it for them and accompany him.

I have done it also, with a signed form. I've never had any problems arise from it at all. I hope I didn't just jinx myself....(knocking on wood now)!

I do but only looking at items that have been addressed in the contract and any damage done while the seller is moving out...

Good point Wanda,  I do but now I have to rethink this.

I have done it, but I warn them that I won't be taking any liability and have them acknowledge this in writing.

This is an issue where FaceTime can come in handy along with a proper release form.

you're right...it's much too much responsibility.... the walk through needs to be done by the buyers....but if that cannot happen, you had better have a legal agreement protecting you.... have an attorney write it.

Not a standard practice in Oregon. But if the buyer has written into the contract that this is to be done and they cannot make it, a friend or relative in town should do it on their behalf. The agent shouldn't take responsibility for this.

I'd rather not be the one who conducts the final walk-through, but if my buyers are unavailable... with a caveat, that I'm not responsible, I will do it.

No.  If suggested, I would advise them they need to appoint another representative (i.e., father, mother, sister, etc.) who would take that responsibility.  I would not want that sole responsibility.

No,  I agree with you.  It's too much respnsibility.

I never have.  But an agent has told me that he dose like 95% of the final walk throughs for his clients. 

Wanda,

I had to do it once, it was vacant and a short sale. The inspector showed plenty of pictures and the buyer was satisfied. I prepared a piece of paperwork and had the buyer signed electronically.

Prefer they get someone else to do it! If not, not without a waiver!

The buyers have to be at the walk thru.  If they can't be, it might be a Skype walk thru.

I have skyped one before, but never done it solo on their behalf.

Yes, for out-of-area clients if absolutely necessary, with a written agreement. And I take photos.

If an agent is afraid to do a simple walk thru for a buyer than they should not be working as a buyers agent.

Being a buyers agent means that you are going to put the buyers best interest first and not worry about yourself.

There is more liability for the things that you fail to do rather than the ones you do.

Eve

I have with facetime.  Virtually walking them through the home upon their request. 

If clients cannot attend they do sign a waiver.  I do a walk through for my own benefit ... not on behalf of or in lieu of the buyers walk through. 

Yes, a few times - but waivers are always signed before

Not uusally on behalf but I have done it a few times when a client was not able to make the closing

However, they did sign a waiver/release/hold harmless before I agreed

It is too much liability and i request the buyer be there. I have dome a "pre" final walk through 3 days ahead when the seller moved out of a large newer home, and the buyer was flying in the day of closing. By going ahead i was able to point out the missing ceiling fans, missing stove and holes up and down the stairs from the movers. All of which go fixed before my buyer flew in, 

I have them sign a document.

ROFL Wanda Kubat-Nerdin !!   If they don't do one - they sign a form indicating they declined.  If they want to - they can always hire a home inspector to do it on their behalf!

no.

No.

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - never done that! Always insisted that the clients MUST do it!

Many times and I agree it is not fun Wanda.

I usually let the home inspector and pest inspector verify all work orders had been completed.  I did, of course, be sure the home was clean and vacated per the contract.

Yes

Yes, 48 hours in advance and I send photo's for them to review.

I think it's okay for sellers not to show up at closings, but buyers should be there AND at the final walk-through. I have never done one for clients, would not accept that responsibility, nor was I asked. If I were asked, I would do it only if the buyers signed strong "hold harmless" letters. 

Always, to make sure the seller moved out and the property is in a proper condition, usually it is 5 days before closing of escrow. 

Being lucky to have all my previous final walk thru with all the buyers. But if it were that the new homeowners were absolutely not available to conduct their walk thru before a closing, I would be willing to be their eyes with a signed waiver of liability on my part. 

With Timber Sales we call it the final inspection; a very thorough and important check to make sure all contract terms were met and the forest is in good shape.  Our clients seldom come along for this unless there is a problem.