You’re only a few days away from closing on your forever home. For weeks now you’ve been dreaming about all the things you want to do as soon as you finally move in. However, before you sign the papers at closing, something important needs to happen. You need to complete the final walk-through.
Final walk-throughs can get overlooked in the whole home buying process. But they serve an important purpose. The final walk-through allows you to inspect the home days before closing to make sure everything is the same as when you agreed to purchase the home. They can also be used to make sure requested repairs were made as promised.
The final walk-through should be a day or two before the closing. Have your agent schedule the walk-through after the sellers have already moved out. Not only will this give you a better view of the entire house without anything in your way, but there won’t be the risk of movers damaging things after the walk-through is complete.
What should you look for when you do your final walk-through? Here are eight of the most important things that deserve your attention.
When you enter a room, make sure you open every door and window. Each window should open smoothly and lock without any problems. The doors should swing freely without rubbing as they’re being shut. Also, make sure all interior privacy doors lock properly. Check and make sure each window has a screen and that the window coverings or blinds are in good working order. You’ll also want to step into the garage, opening and closing the garage door, making sure there are no issues.
If the sellers have already moved out of the home, pay close attention to every wall as well as the floors and ceiling. Make sure there isn’t any water damage to hardwood floors being covered up by a couch or rug. Plus, now that all the photos, art and mounted televisions are removed, check for any major damage to the walls.
Head to the kitchen and turn on all the appliances. Check and make sure the stove and oven are working properly, as well as the dishwasher. It’s also a good idea to pull out the refrigerator, dishwasher and laundry machines to make sure there are no signs of mold.
While you’re in the kitchen, make sure you turn on the sink to check both the water pressure and the hot water. Next, make your way into the bathrooms to check the sink, shower and toilet. If the home has a sprinkler system, turn it on to test each zone.
Even if it’s the middle of the summer, you’re going to want to turn on the heat and make sure it’s operating properly. The same goes for the air conditioning. Turn on every light switch and if you have a voltage tester, check to make sure each outlet has power. Inspect each light and outlet cover, looking for any signs of damage. Finally, double-check the doorbell and security system, if the home includes one.
While you’re walking around the basement, look for mice droppings. If you find evidence, there could be a larger issue throughout the home. Also, pay close attention to any dry rot or crumbling beams, as these are signs of termites. You’ll want the sellers to address any of these findings before closing.
Once you’ve had a chance to thoroughly go through the interior of the home, make your way outside. Pay attention to the roof, gutters, trees and bushes. Make sure everything looks good and there haven’t been any issues since putting in your offer to buy.
Finally, start checking off the items that were presented to the sellers in your inspection report. Make sure each of the issues has been addressed and no new damage has occurred.
At this point, you’re only days away from closing on your new home. It’s most likely a stressful but exciting time. By completing this final walk-through, you’re going to have peace of mind that your new home is ready and waiting for you to move in.
