What is a final walk-through?
A final walk-through is a last chance for you and your agent to inspect the home before closing. The buyer does this inspection with his or her agent, so it’s important that you work with an experienced Realtor® who will be able to point out anything that might need attention or repair.
When do you do a final walk-through?
The final walk-through is usually done shortly before closing, when the property has been cleaned up and prepared for its new owner. It gives buyers one last chance to make sure everything is in order before they become responsible for it!
The final walk-through is a critical aspect of the home buying process. It can be as simple as a general look around to make sure that everything is still in place and clean, or it can include more detailed inspection.
If you are purchasing a newly built home, there won’t be much for you to check during your final walk-through. However, if you’re buying an older house that has been renovated or rebuilt after an earthquake or fire destroyed it, then there may be more issues than just a fresh coat of paint or new flooring on which to focus your attention.
What should you look for during a final walk-through?
During your walk-through, you should check for the following:
- Appliances. Are they all working?
- Heating and cooling system. Is it in good condition? Does it work efficiently?
- Electrical system. Are all outlets fully functional? Do you have enough outlets for the appliances that will be used in the future and are they placed where they’ll be most convenient to use them (i.e., near a window or near a sink)? Do any of the light fixtures need to be replaced with LED ones (which tend to be more efficient)? And finally, what about an electrician coming in before closing on your house—is there anything that needs their attention before then? If so, don’t forget to mention this at closing!
- Plumbing. Are there any leaks under sinks or toilets or showers that need fixing right away? Or is there any sign of water damage anywhere else inside your home (i.e., mold)? You should definitely take note if there’s something wrong with your plumbing because this could mean replacing pipes which could get very expensive over time as well as lead exposure if left unattended too long…
- Recent damage. Sometimes damage can be done in the moving process. Be on the look-out for recent damages that were not present when your home inspection was completed.
A final walk-though can be smart and save you money.
A final walk-through is smart and can save you money. The home inspection is a good first step, but it won’t catch everything. A final walk-though allows you to ensure that the house is in good condition and working properly. You’ll also have an opportunity to check for any damage that may not be disclosed on paper. If you find anything wrong during this time, negotiate with your Realtor or seller to get them resolved before closing day!
Conclusion
It’s tempting to skip a final walk-through and just move on with your life. Buying a home is likely one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, financial decision you’ll make. Be thorough and “just do it” as Nike says!
