Congratulations on Your New Home!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW PURCHASE! BUT…….Before the closing, there is one essential step that must be taken with your REALTOR®: The Final WalkThrough.
A few days before closing, your agent will call to schedule the date and time of the final walk-through. This is an important event because it is the last chance to examine the condition of the property before settlement.
The sales contract that you signed requires the seller to warrant that the central air conditioning, heating, plumbing and wiring systems on the property are in working order on the date of closing. It also guarantees you the buyer the right to a “walk-through” review of the property prior to closing.
It is imperative that every buyer do a final walk-through on the property they intend to purchase as close to the closing as possible. Many times the walk-through occurs an hour or two before the closing. You will meet your agent at your new home to review the condition of the property and then go directly to the closing. If any problems are noted, your agent will contact the seller’s agent so he/she will have time to discuss the situation with the seller and determine alternatives to address the issues.
The walk-through just prior to closing doesn’t eliminate every surprise that a new buyer might face. But it significantly reduces the chance of closing on an unknown disaster. Here is a quick guide of some of the areas to consider during a final walk through:
Final Walk-Through Guide
BRING YOUR INSPECTION REPORT AND THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BUYER AND SELLER ON ANY REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED – THEN REFER TO IT!
Double Check the Paperwork
You are entitled to receipts for the work which has been done. Are all work orders complete? Are you satisfied with the results?
Exterior Review
**Check for any changes to exterior since property went under contract. Are all the plants still there?
Plumbing Review
**Flush all toilets.
**Check all faucets for water pressure and temperature.
**Check operation of all appliances
Interior Rooms Review
**Check for any changes to interior since the contract. Is the property broom clean per the contract? Is the garage empty?
Electrical Review
**Check all lights, outlets, bathroom fans and kitchen fans.
Furnace and Air Conditioning Review
**Check operation of all systems.
Attic and Basement Review
**Check for changes in any stained, damp or wet areas.
The final walkthrough should be done with a complete checklist and organized plan. After a review of the home inside and out with a checklist will get you back to exciting part of that final walk-through.. Imagining yourself in your new home!
