Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your lifetime. It can be a long and stressful process, with many steps along the way, such as finding the right real estate agent, searching for the perfect property, negotiating with the seller, and securing a mortgage.
One of the most important steps in the home buying process is the final walk through. This is an opportunity for the buyer to inspect the property one last time before closing to ensure that everything is in order and that there are no surprises.
Skipping the final walk through can be tempting, especially if you are eager to close on the property and move in. However, it is a mistake that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Here are some reasons why buyers should not skip the final walk through:
1. Identify any last-minute issues
The final walk through is an opportunity to identify any last-minute issues that may have arisen since the last time you saw the property. For example, the seller may have accidentally damaged a wall during the move-out process or left behind unwanted furniture. By conducting a thorough inspection, you can address these issues with the seller before closing and avoid any surprises or unexpected expenses.
2. Ensure that repairs have been completed
If the seller agreed to make repairs as part of the sales contract, the final walk through is an opportunity to ensure that these repairs have been completed to your satisfaction. If you discover any outstanding issues, you can negotiate with the seller to have them resolved before closing.
3. Confirm that the property is in the same condition
The final walk through allows you to confirm that the property is in the same condition as when you made the offer. This includes ensuring that any fixtures, appliances, or other items included in the sale are still present and in good working order. If something is missing or damaged, you can address it with the seller before closing.
4. Check for any new problems
In addition to confirming that everything is in order, the final walk through is an opportunity to check for any new problems that may have arisen since your home inspection. For example, you may discover a leaky faucet or a broken window that was not present during your initial inspection. By identifying these issues early, you can address them with the seller and avoid any surprise expenses after closing.
In conclusion, the final walk through is an important step in the home buying process that should not be skipped. It is an opportunity to ensure that everything is in order and that there are no last-minute surprises. By conducting a thorough inspection, you can avoid unexpected expenses and have peace of mind knowing that you are making a wise investment.
Final Walk Through Checklist
If you're planning to do a final walk through before closing on a property, it's important to have a checklist of things to inspect. Here is a basic final walk through checklist to get you started:
Exterior:
Check the condition of the exterior walls, roof, and gutters.
Ensure that all windows and doors are in good condition and open and close properly.
Inspect the landscaping to ensure it's in the same condition as when you made your offer.
Test the garage door opener (if applicable) to ensure it's working.
Interior:
Turn on and off all lights and fans to ensure they are working.
Check all appliances, including the stove, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator, to ensure they are in working order.
Run the water in all sinks, showers, and bathtubs to check for leaks or drainage issues.
Test the heating and cooling systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
Look for any signs of water damage, including stains on walls or ceilings, warped floors, or musty odors.
Check that all fixtures, such as faucets and toilets, are secure and functioning.
General:
Check all rooms to ensure that they are in the same condition as when you made your offer.
Look for any signs of damage or missing items, such as holes in walls, missing light fixtures, or damaged carpet.
Ensure that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed to your satisfaction.
Confirm that any items included in the sale, such as window coverings or appliances, are present and in good condition.
Test all keys and locks to ensure they work properly.
Remember, the final walk through is your last chance to identify any issues before closing, so take your time and be thorough in your inspection. If you notice any problems, bring them to the seller's attention and work together to find a solution before closing.
Should the seller's be gone and the property be empty before the final walk through?
Ideally, the house should be empty for the final walk through. This will allow you to fully inspect the property without any distractions or obstacles. It's also easier to check that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed, and all fixtures and appliances are present and in good condition when there is no furniture or personal belongings in the way.
However, in some cases, the seller may still be moving out on the day of the final walk through, and the house may not be completely empty. In this situation, it's important to communicate with the seller and your real estate agent to schedule the final walk through at a time that allows for a thorough inspection while also accommodating the seller's move-out schedule.
If the seller is not able to completely move out before the final walk through, you should still be able to complete a thorough inspection. Just be sure to check all areas of the property that are accessible and take extra care to check for any damages or repairs needed around any remaining belongings or furniture. You can also work with your agent to request that the seller remove any remaining items before the closing date.
Ultimately, whether the house is empty or not, the final walk through is a critical step in the home buying process, and you should take the time to conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that everything is in order before closing.