Every closing has a moment when the keys change hands. On this one, the garage was still full.
I'm Breanne Wahl, a Los Angeles real estate agent with ACME | SERHANT. Early in my career, I represented the buyers of 4626 Glenalbyn Drive, a mid-century post and beam with Japanese influences on Mt. Washington in Northeast Los Angeles.
Friends, and a natural fit for the hill
My buyers were friends. They had started their search with another agent, and it wasn't the right fit, so they called me. I already lived on Mt. Washington, and they were curious about joining us up on the hill.
A treehouse with a spa level
Then we found it. A treehouse of sorts, with canyon views, a koi pond, and a full lower level with a private spa and guest quarters. It was incredible.
The price had already come down from its original $825,000, and my buyers closed at $755,000, under the $775,000 asking price.
When the seller won't leave
The seller was a friendly fixture on the street, with an artist's spirit, and he was moving out of the country. Escrow went smoothly. But as closing got closer, I noticed his things weren't leaving the house very quickly.
I checked with the listing agent, a longtime Mt. Washington agent, and she assured me everything would be out before closing. At our final walkthrough, five days out, a lot was still inside. On closing day, the garage was still full.
I'll admit it: I was shook.
The seller stayed with his next-door neighbors while he slowly packed up the garage. My buyers chose to embrace the chaos. They got to know him, he eventually moved everything out, and they made a lot of happy memories in that house.
What I do differently today
Things were looser back then. Today, a seller staying past closing never happens on a handshake.
- Get the move-out date in writing in the contract.
- If a seller needs extra time, put it in a signed agreement before closing, with clear terms.
- Check on move-out progress well before the final walkthrough, not just at it.
- Schedule the final walkthrough close enough to closing that what you see is what you get.
- Bring in escrow, and an attorney if needed, before any money changes hands.
Buying on Mt. Washington?
The hill is full of characters, and I love that about it. I'll make sure the only surprises are the good ones. Let's start your search.
Questions about this sale
Who represented the buyers of 4626 Glenalbyn Drive on Mt. Washington?
I did. I'm Breanne Wahl, now with ACME | SERHANT., and I represented the buyers of 4626 Glenalbyn Drive, a mid-century post and beam with Japanese influences on Mt. Washington, Los Angeles.
What did 4626 Glenalbyn Drive sell for?
4626 Glenalbyn Drive sold for $755,000, under its $775,000 asking price, and I represented the buyers.
What if a seller hasn't moved out by closing?
Talk to your agent and escrow right away. Any time a seller stays past closing should be covered by a written agreement signed before closing, and a real estate attorney can advise on your options.