Step 17 Guide To Buying A Home: Attend Final Walk-Through

Whew! We are almost there! It’s time to attend the final walk-through on your new home!

Ideally, we will meet at the house right before closing. The reason for this is that we want to be the last people in the house so that we can be assured everything is as it needs to be.

Here’s what you should look for during your Final walk-through:

• Verify that all repairs have been made.  Be sure to obtain copies of paid receipts and any related warranties in advance of the walk-through
• Make sure all of the appliances are still working
• Check to make sure the sellers or movers didn’t damage anything moving out
• Look to make sure all items included in the sales price (lighting fixtures, blinds, curtains, etc.) are still there. This includes anything that was attached to the wall previously, such as shelves, TV mounts, etc., unless noted as being excluded on the contract
• Screens and storm windows are in place or stored somewhere
• Test the intercom, doorbell, alarm, HVAC, and hot water to make sure they all work
• Property should be in “broom clean” condition, meaning it doesn’t have to be perfectly clean, but you have to be able to clear out any debris with a broom
• Ask when the trash is picked up
• Get the garage door opener (if applicable) and any other remotes
• Locate any instruction books and warranties for appliances and fixtures
• Make sure all personal items of the seller and all debris have been removed, including clothing, food in the fridge, etc.

Here is what the Final walk-through IS NOT:

• It’s not a time to have your parents, friends, etc., come look at the property, for contractors to give you estimates, etc.  All of that can wait until the next day once you officially own the property.  
• It’s not possible to begin moving boxes or other items into the property at the walk-through. That has to wait until you officially close on the property.  
• It’s not when we receive the keys.  That will happen at the end of closing.

At the end of the walk-through, we need to inquire as to how you will get the keys, and fobs, and mailbox key.  Usually, these items are given to you at closing by the seller.

What happens if you find damage at the walk-through or the seller didn’t do one of the repairs he was supposed to do? 

You have three options if you discover damage at the walk-through or the seller didn’t repair something he/she was legally obligated to repair:

1. You can delay the closing by a few days/weeks and ask the sellers to repair whatever items are damaged.
2. You can ask the sellers to put money into escrow to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time
3. You can ask the sellers to provide a credit to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time but have the funds to pay for the needed repairs after closing.

If the sellers are not willing to do any of the above, you can cancel the contract and walk away from purchasing the property.   That rarely happens, though, and is the last option if we’ve exhausted all other options.

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the final walk-through.  We’re almost there!

Next, Step 18: Attend Closing