The size of the holdback is negotiated based on a real repair estimate, not guessed, and Information Services Corporation's registration of title can proceed on schedule even while a holdback sits with the lawyer, so a walkthrough problem does not have to delay possession for either side, even with legal fees of $800 to $1,500 already budgeted into the file.
New damage that appeared since the offer was accepted is treated differently from a pre-existing issue the buyer already accepted through their home inspection, and a lawyer will look at what was disclosed and what the offer actually promised before agreeing to any holdback amount.
Joel Dyck steps in immediately on walkthrough day to get the lawyers talking, so a problem does not turn into a delayed possession. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.