The final walk-through is the buyer’s opportunity to make sure the home is in the condition it should be and that there aren’t any remaining issues that the seller failed to address. Once the closing moves forward and the buyer moves into the home, it’s likely too late to bring any problems forward. For that reason, it’s important that the buyer be thorough.
Here’s a checklist of important things to be on the lookout for during the final walk-through:
1. Inspection Repairs
Bring along a copy of your inspection summary as well as your accepted offer letter, and check up on every repair the seller agreed to have fixed. Don’t simply take the seller’s word that everything’s in good working order – check for yourself.
Ask the seller for the warranties or repair receipts for all work they did on the home. Know who to call if something breaks again after you move in.
2. Belongings Moved In Or Out
Look in every room and check for any belongings that the seller left behind. Double-check for leftover toys and lawn equipment, too. Don’t forget to look in all of the closets, the attic, the basement and any garages or sheds.
Contact the seller before closing if you notice they left something behind that they shouldn’t have, or they’ve taken something they agreed to leave.
3. Locks And Windows
Make sure your home is totally secure before closing. Here are some things to include on your checklist:
Do all windows and doors lock and unlock correctly?
Do all windows slide open easily?
Do any windows or doors stick (which can be a major hazard in the event of a fire or other emergency)?
Are there holes, tears or defects in the window screens? Are any missing?
4. Appliances
Confirm that all of the appliances in the home are working as you’d expect.
5. Plumbing
Flush every single toilet to make sure it works well
Run the water in your showers and sinks. Make sure the water gets hot and cold in a reasonable amount of time, check the water pressure in the shower and confirm that your bathtub holds water when you plug the drain.
6. Electricity And Outlets
Walk through the house with your cell phone charger and plug it into every outlet in every room.
Confirm that the home’s light fixtures, doorbells and garage door openers work as well.
7. Backyard And Outdoors
Take a walk around the lawn or backyard and make sure the landscaping looks great. Some sellers dig up bushes, plants and even small trees when they leave their property behind.
In most cases, it’s just the buyer and their real estate agent who attend the final walk-through.
The real estate agent is there to help them through the process. An agent may have a better idea of what the buyers should look for during the walk-through. In the event that something is wrong with the home, the agent can help the buyer with taking next steps.
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