After completing most of the homebuying process, potential hombuyers will conduct a final walk-through. The final walk-through is a crucial step in purchasing a home. It is a personal inspection where home buyers check that the house is in good condition and address any last-minute problems. This portion of the process provides an opportunity to ensure both buyers and sellers are satisfied with their real estate transaction.
It’s okay to be a little worried about the final walk-through. This article will serve as a guide to help you seamlessly navigate the final walk-through before closing on a home.
What Is A Final Walk-Through?
The final walk-through is a buyer’s last opportunity to check the condition of the home before completing the purchase. Typically, the purpose of the final walkthrough is for buyers to ensure that:
- The seller completed any agreed-upon repairs,
- All furniture and fixtures negotiated with the seller are in place,
- There has been no significant change on the property since the home inspection,
- All systems and appliances stipulated in the contract function properly.
It is important to thoroughly check and confirm the status of the property during the final walkthrough. This is because sometimes new damages may occur during the move-out process, or the seller might have omitted a repair.
Once the buyer completes the walkthrough, the closing moves forward, and the buyer moves into the home. If the buyer finds anything during the walk-through that they need to address, they will need to bring it up to the their agent or the seller before they move into the home. After the walkthrough, it becomes increasingly difficult for the buyer to present an issue or complaint and receive a solution from the sellers.
When Should A Final Walk-Through Take Place?
A homebuyer should complete a final walk-through close to the closing date to ensure they move into the home in the condition they view it in during the walk-through. It is best to complete this step a day or two before closing.
What Should Buyers Bring To A Final Walk-Through?
There are a few things you should bring along to have a productive and thorough walkthrough. Buyers should bring the following:
- Your original offer on the home, which contains both parties’ sales terms and agreement,
- An inspection report showing the summary of necessary repairs,
- Any additional documents like the final contract on repairs or the closing disclosure,
- A notebook to jot down notes during the walkthrough,
- A phone or camera to take pictures and document damages to show the seller later,
- A charger to test the electric outlets (and charge your phone if you battery dies).
What To Look For During A Final Walkthrough
It is important to remember that a final walkthrough is not the same as a home inspection. A final walkthrough is not when you look through the home to point out new items you want the seller to addres. Instead, it is a general inspection to ensure the house is still in the same state as when you made the offer and to verify that the seller completed any previously agreed-upon repairs.
Here is a final walkthrough checklist for a satisfied walkthrough.
- Ensure that the repairs your seller agreed to make are complete and up to your satisfaction.
- What is left in the house is determined by the purchase agreement with the seller. Check to see if everything is in its proper location and if anything—such as furniture, appliances, and other items agreed upon—should be there but isn’t.
- Check if the doors and windows open properly and make sure they lock. Be on the lookout for missing window screens and sticky doors.
- Check for stagnant water in the bathroom, kitchen, toilet, sinks, and showers. Thoroughly check for water damage and molds. Check every water outlet for correct drainage, leaks, and hot water. Also, inspect kitchen appliances for damage and leaks.
- Test other appliances in the house like the washer, dryer, oven, dishwasher, etc
- Make sure that the heating and cooling systems are in working condition.
- Be on the lookout for pests and rodents. Any sign of dry rot, disintegrating wood, and mushy floors can signify the presence of ants and other unwelcome creatures in the home.
- Test all electrical outlets in every room to make sure it works perfectly. Plug your charger in every outlet, flip switches as you go, and turn on and off the ceiling fans.
- Don’t forget to check the security system, garage doors, doorbells, and mailbox.
- Step out of the house to check the home exterior. Take a walk around the property, and check the lawn and backyard as you walk. Take a minute to examine the irrigation system if the property has one. If you’re buying a home with a pool, check the lining and sides for mold and mildew.
Final Thoughts
The final walkthrough is an important step in the closing process as it is your last chance to spot problems in your home and ensure repairs are complete. While closing on a home can be a busy and stressful time, buyers should make sure they arrive to their final walkthrough with the necessary materials and then take their time conducting this step. If questions or problems arise during the walkthrough, homebuyers can present those items to their agent, who will address it with the seller.
