seat. It’s your opportunity to ensure that the home you’re about to purchase aligns with your expectations. You’ll inspect every area of the property, including the exterior, to confirm that its condition matches what you saw during your previous visits. Sometimes, the home is in better condition, especially if you’ve negotiated repairs or renovations.
This is an essential aspect of the home-buying process. It allows you to check that all the paperwork that goes to you with the purchase is in place and that the seller has made any agreed-upon changes within your purchase contract.
“The walk-through is likely the first time the buyer has seen the house without furniture or anything on the walls, so it’s important to note any damage that may have happened during move out,” states Scott Garnett, a real estate agent at Samson Properties in Richmond, Virginia. “I highly recommend every buyer do the walk-through so that you can make sure that everything agreed upon is still there.”
Before your walkthrough is final, staying well-informed and ready to deal with whatever comes up is crucial. For your convenience, we‘ve created the following checklist that outlines what is necessary to carry, what you need to be inspected and what to do should issues occur.
Final Walk-Through Checklist: 14 Things to Look For
- Negotiation Repair: Repairs that you negotiated If you had a negotiation on repairs before purchasing, Your final walk-through of the property is the final chance to ensure that the seller addressed the issues you had to be satisfied with. If you’ve included an inspection clause in your contract, use your inspection report to ensure that all remaining repairs were taken care of. If you’re getting repair credit from the seller, ensure the problem is exactly as it is in your inspection or sale contract report.
- Cleanliness: Part of your responsibility during the walk-through is ensuring the home is clean and tidy. This means the seller should have removed their belongings and garbage, and the house should be cleaned or vacuumed. Don’t forget to check the garage as well.
- The items that will be transferred as part of the sale: If agreed to in the sale contract, ensure that the light fixtures, ceiling fans, window treatment, appliances and any other items remain.
- Utility: All utilities must be switched on so you can test the water, electrical gas, and plumbing.
- Appliances: The walk-through will be an excellent opportunity to verify that your home’s appliances function as expected. Ensure kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, microwave, stove, and garbage disposal are turned on. Also, verify that your freezer and refrigerator function as you expect. Make sure the dryer and washer are working correctly.
- Clogs or leaks in the water: Examine the water by turning on the faucets and flushing toilets and examining whether there are any leaks or blockages.
- Electrical system: Examine outlets, ceiling fans and switches for light in each space. Small items like your phone charger are excellent for checking call outlets.
- Mold: Check the plumbing fixtures to see if signs of mould or water damage may have developed following an inspection. Check attics, basements, and crawl spaces for dampness, water or mildew.
- HVAC system: Turn on the air conditioning and heating to check for proper functioning.
- Ceilings, walls and floors: Scrutinize ceilings, floors and walls to look for stains, cracks or damage to drywall that could have been previously hidden by furniture or wall hangers.
- Windows and doors: Look for windows with missing screens, screens every opening and exit to confirm that seals and locks function and that nothing is loose or damaged.
- Garage door: It’s typical to receive your garage door opener as keys after closing. However, you must still ensure that the garage is open and closes as it should.
- Exterior aspects: Explore the property and inspect the exterior walls, the roof and gutters. Verify the state of the outdoor structures, such as the patios, decks, and sheds.
- Pests are a sign of trouble: Look for signs of roaches and mouse droppings and evidence of damage from termites in the house.
What Should I Bring to the Final Walk-Through?
Your real estate agent will accompany you during the walk-through, helping you navigate the process and address any concerns. They will ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition in the purchase contract. However, it’s best to bring these items on hand to check the condition of your property.
Camera: Take pictures of anything you wish to keep note of or check by conducting a home inspection. The flashlight on your phone could help in basements, attics and dark spaces. Inspection report: If you believe the buyer agreed to repair the home after their home inspection, review the inspection report to ensure the issues have been resolved.
Inspection report: If you believe the buyer agreed to repair the home after their inspection, review the report to ensure the issues have been resolved.
Purchase agreement: The specifics in your purchase agreement will assist you with understanding the things that should and shouldn’t be contained in the house. It serves as a reference point during the walk-through, ensuring that all agreed-upon conditions are met.
Walk-throughs with a tape measure can be an excellent opportunity to determine the size of furniture or check room dimensions if you intend to put in flooring.
Pen and notebook: Have prepared to write down any concerns or issues you’d like to discuss before closing or even interior design concepts.
How Many Days Before Closing Is the Final Walk-Through?
Walk-throughs typically occur at least two days before closing, giving enough time to discuss issues before closing. Title transfer. Your agent for real estate assists you with the walk-through before closing.
Are Sellers Present at Final Walk-Through?
It is not necessary for the seller to not be present at the end of the walk-through. The agent you are with must be the only person present to examine the house’s conditions without pressure or scrutiny from the buyer. In the event of negotiations, the seller is expected to resign, and the property will be empty.
Can You Negotiate After the Final Walk-Through?
It is possible to negotiate a new price when you notice new damages or problems during the final walk-through, which should be disclosed within the seller’s disclosure. The real estate agent you work with will help you decide on the most effective option that could involve making repairs, revoking your purchase price or seeking credit from the seller.
Make videos and photos or note down the issues you spot on your walk-through to ensure the problems you are concerned about can be resolved. “It doesn’t happen often, but if we find anything during the walk-through, I’ll contact the seller’s agent and negotiate getting repairs done,” Garnett adds.
Can You Back Out After the Final Walk-Through?
A buyer can withdraw after the last walk-through of the property if its condition is significantly altered or if the house does not fulfil the specifications stipulated in the sale contract. However, problems like these can be discovered before buying a home. Scrutinise your inspection report before your walk-through to identify any issues that need to be addressed.
The Bottom Line on Your Final Walk-Through
The walk-through is a chance to ensure the property is in the expected shape. This is a chance to discuss any issues before the closing table, and you’ll complete the formal paperwork that transfers property ownership to you.
After you’ve finished the walk-through, pay close attention to any changes the seller has agreed to, and ensure that the home’s state conforms with the terms of the contract you signed to purchase. This is the last opportunity to make sure you’re getting the house you’ve decided to buy. So be patient, and do not hesitate to express any concerns you have if there’s something wrong.
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