As you near the end of the home-buying process, you’ll have the opportunity, before the closing day to conduct a final walk-through of the property. The final walk-through is an important step that allows you to ensure that everything is in order and that your new home is ready for you.
During the final walk-through, you and your real estate agent will go through the house room by room to confirm that everything is in the same condition as when you made your offer. You can also verify that the seller has made any repairs they promised to make.
To help you make the most of your final walk-through, we’ve put together a checklist of important things to look out for:
– Inspection repairs: Ensure the seller has made all the repairs they agreed to before closing. Bring a copy of the inspection summary and your accepted offer letter, and check every repair to ensure it was done to your satisfaction.
– Belongings moved in or out: Confirm that the seller has completely moved out of the home before closing. Check every room, closet, attic, and garage to ensure that nothing was left behind and that the seller hasn’t taken anything they weren’t supposed to.
– Locks and windows: Verify that all doors and windows lock and unlock correctly, slide open easily, and don’t stick. Check for holes, tears, or defects in the window screens, and make sure they don’t pop out easily. Test your alarm system if you have one.
– Appliances: Test all appliances in the home, including the oven, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, garbage disposal, and HVAC system. Run water in all the drains to check for clogs or strange smells, and flush every toilet to ensure they work well.
– Mold: Inspect moist areas like the bathroom and kitchen for signs of mold, especially around the toilet bases and drain of your bathtub or shower.
– Electricity and outlets: Plug your cell phone charger into every outlet in every room to ensure they work. Check the electic switches and plate covers and ensure no signs of damage. Confirm that the home’s doorbells, gararge doors and light fixtures are working properly.
– Backyard and outdoors: Don’t forget to inspect the outside of the property as well, including the lawn, backyard, gates, pool, and irrigation system. Look for any damage, holes, or wood rot, and make sure the landscaping looks great.
– Pests: Watch for termites, rodents, ants, mouse droppings, and other signs of uninvited critters. Inspect the chimney for birds or raccoons.
If you find any problems during the final walk-through, consult your real estate agent to decide on the best action. You may be able to ask the seller to fix the issue, delay the closing, withhold money from the seller’s proceeds, or take legal action in extreme circumstances.
Remember that there will always be things you want to change or update it is not the seller’s responsibility to do every upgrade you desire. Some home improvements should be done after you own the house, and seek expert advice if needed.