It depends on the situation and how confident that we are that things will move forward to completion.

Not a good idea.

Hi William -- not a good policy as far as I am concerned.

Buyer occupying before closing is a big 'no-no'.

We make clear that the Seller and the Buyer, if they want to do pre-possession, they need to seek the appropriate legal advice and that our brokerage is NOT involved...

William - From what I have been taught, learned, and coached by my Broker, early move-in is not a good idea. Can it work out sometimes, sure, but do you want to risk it? Like everyone else has already stated, liability issues, repair issues, closing issues, insurance issues, just way too many issues for the small benefit. I would always look to find a better way. 

Never.  A good example is a deal we had and the day of closing the Seller was late...then now show...only to find out within the next week that he had died that day!  Had anyone moved in prior, that would have been a legal nightmare! 

I would encourage the Buyers to close earlier, if that worked for all parties.  I would doubt any Seller's lawyer would agree to that. 

Never, under any circumstances.

I'm glad everyone is on the same page with this. I find it more common with many of my rentals then sales. I try and discourage it. Just wait!

I address this issue on a case by case basis, and never recommend it myself.  Ultimately it's up to the buyers and sellers, but it's very risky business, and the safest route for all parties involved is to wait until after closing/funding. 

My opinion and what I recommend is to never allow early move in. Always after the transaction closes. 

Never, ever, ever.

When tempted, the requesting party must provide a mountain of non-refundable CASH to finance their eviction if needed.

I have allowed a buyer access to the garage only, again, accompaniend by a deposit.

Rarely, it's happened for very good reasons. But I don't encourage this as something to do on a regular basis.

Once when there was a separate rental agreement, made outside of the sales contract. 

I've seen this work out well for both parties, but never advise is and make sure (even though I'm not an agent) the party I'm helping understands the risks.  If they're using financing, NEVER unless there's already a clear to close.

Pre-closing move-ins can be very risky. Since I would be uncomfortable with them for a property I own and am selling, I can't see myself agreeing with a seller that would allow such a thing. If the seller insists on letting the buyer in early, I would document that my seller's decision is contrary to my recommendation.   

While I never say never but this one is knocking on never's door. Too many liability issues.

Hi William.. Such issues disturb the things badly so we need to prevent from these kind of situations. Recently I faced this while selling my house but fortunately my fort mill sc estate planner helped me to deal with that buyer. 

It's all about the clients.  If we can do something to helps the clients, we will accommodate however we can.

I strongly discourage this. Too many things can go wrong. 

I strongly discourage this and have seen problems arise in the past. Last minute denials on loans cause big problems with no place for the buyer to go.

As for unexpected repairs the buyer thinks the seller should pay, the seller thinks the buyer should pay. It can be a standoff.

i have never had that situation, but as the buyers agent it has come up a few times, thanks have a great day

Yes, Larry and I got early possession when we purchased our home and I have had a few clients receive permission to.  It has worked out in every case.

While it is certinly not advisable, I have had instances on both counts where it made sense. Once, for my seller who had some potential inspection issues, it made snese to allow a buyer to have a move-in before closing because it meant that they had to accept it as-is. For a buyer of mine, they saved money on extending a lease to move in a house that they LOVED.

Once in a very great while!  The biggest problem is insurance as you can not insure what you do not own.  The Seller has to continue to carry the insurance even though the Buyer now occupies the property.  It has worked but it is never easy!!

I do everything possible to prevent early move-ins unless we are also closing early. I point to the liability issues and what happens if something goes wrong in the home.