It’s finally here… the day you’ve been waiting and packing for… you’re about to take possession of your new home! Sure, you saw the house when you were searching for a home and you fell in love with it. And you were there for the home inspection… but it’s been a few weeks, maybe a few months since you last saw it and now you’re heading to the settlement table to sign the paperwork and make it yours. Before you take on that responsibility, and sign all of those papers, however, you need to take one last look at the house. Do your final walk through and make sure everything is as you expected. You want to check on everything from making sure the Seller has moved themselves and their belongings out to checking if the appliances are still there or a tree hasn’t fallen through the roof. Whatever condition the house is in once you finalize the settlement is your responsibility!
Here’s a list of essential things to look through during your final walk-through:
Repairs
If any repairs were to be made by the Seller, it’s a good idea to go to your walk through with a list of the repairs as this is your final opportunity to confirm that they were completed. If applicable, get copies of receipts from the Seller for any work that was done. And if it’s something you can’t check for yourself, like the roof, you can contact the contractor to be sure you understand the repairs that were completed. You’ll also have their contact information, should there be any issues with the repairs down the road.
Utilities and Appliances
Check the appliances (if they weren’t sold in as is condition) are working and in the same condition you originally found them. Sellers are required to keep the utilities on for the final walk-through. Run water & check under sinks to be sure there are no new leaks; flush the toilets; turn on the lights. If anything isn’t working that was working at the time of your offer & inspection, be sure to tell your agent.
Doors and Windows
Take a look at the windows & doors in the house. If your inspector checked to see if they close & lock properly and they’re not now, you might want to bring it up.
Interior Condition
The house will most likely be empty for the walk-through so it will be easy to see the overall condition of the home. Look for any new holes in walls & scratches on floors, or broken items, such as stair rails. Keep in mind, you originally saw the house full. It is possible the buyer missed a scratch under a rug or a dent in the wall behind the desk. Remember the walk through is for new damages. If you can take pictures of the home during your inspection, they may come in handy to prove something wasn’t there before. And check the closets! Make sure the seller has removed all of their belongings.
Exterior Condition
Take a walk around the house and property and look to see if there are any new issues. If the Seller agreed to leave outdoor furniture or hoses or anything, check to see that they’re there.
Documentation and Manuals
While not required, often Sellers will often leave any manuals & warranties on appliances in the house as well. If you’re expecting anything in particular, make sure they are there.
Pests
The home is expected to be broom swept for the new owners. This means that any signs of critters will be new and that pests haven’t been attended to by the sellers. You may need to request a pest control treatment.
Some other questions answered:
Who attends the walk-through?
It’s usually just the Buyers and their agent. We’re hoping the Seller has moved out and the buyer should have the freedom to inspect the property at their leisure. Keep in mind the final walk-through is not a home inspection. It’s not a time to have engineers or contractors come look at the condition of the property, unless you’re checking a repair.
When is a Walk-through scheduled?
A final walk-through can be scheduled about 24 hours before closing, but if possible, schedule your walk-through just before the closing. The property should be vacant, which will allow the buyer to see everything without obstructions and less time for something to happen prior to settlement.
What happens if there’s an issue at the walk-through?
If you find an issue during walk-through, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Speak to your agent. Most often, issues can be worked out with a credit or escrow to hold funds until something is repaired. Sometimes settlement is postponed until the repair is made. Some issues will be so small, buyers will agree to take on the repair themselves.
Sellers – If something breaks or changes from the time you sign the contract until settlement, make sure to notify your agent/buyer and make the repairs as quickly as possible. If it’s something that can’t be completed prior to settlement, your agent can discuss how the repairs will be handled with the Buyer.
To be clear, the final walk-through is not a contingency in the purchase contract. A walk-through is an opportunity for the buyer to confirm the condition of the home and property are in the same condition, along with any agreed upon repairs, as the day the buyer wrote the offer & had an inspection done. As you can see, it’s a crucial step in the home buying process. Taking the time to thoroughly inspect the property ensures that you’re getting what you paid for. Communicate with your agent and don’t hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns. By being diligent during the final walk-through, you’ll be better positioned to enjoy your new home without unexpected hiccups.