Final Walkthrough Tips
One of the most important steps of buying a property is the final walkthrough. It takes place a few days or within hours before the final closing of the sale and is arranged by your estate agent. One of the main purposes of the walkthrough is establishing that every part of the contract has been met.
Is the home in the same condition that it was when you agreed to buy it? Insist on seeing if all the repairs you asked for were done and that all of the smaller details, such as the light fittings, are in place. Check every light and power outlet in the house as well as all the major appliances and faucets. Open and close windows and verify that the garage door remotes work. Flush the toilets, run fans, and test heating, cooling, garbage disposal systems and exhaust fans. Look at walls, ceilings, floors, gutters and the roof. Are the storm windows or screens in good repair? Check storage areas to ensure no unwanted trash, including old paint cans or other hazardous chemicals are left behind.
All of these are seemingly minor details but unpleasant surprises when you move in and discover that any one of them needs repairs. Do a thorough check both inside and outside – some sellers dig up plants before they move out.
The house should be clean and everything agreed upon must be on working order or repaired. It is wise to take a checklist or professional with you so you remember everything. Being excited about your acquisition you may miss some important detail. Closing Talk has a useful final walkthrough checklist on their website to refer to so you don’t forget anything.
If you worry that you will miss something important, it’s a good idea to take the estate agent or a home inspector with you for this important final step in acquiring your new home.