Buying a home can be a back-and-forth process, as buyer and seller negotiate price, repairs and other important points before closing.
These talks can be exhausting. Waiting for a seller to make repairs will only deter you from closing, while fast-moving flippers or impatient buyers may be tempted to close as quickly as possible. But if you don’t do the final walk-through, you could end up losing time and money on your purchase.
Here’s a guide to help you understand the importance of the final walk-through and what you should be looking for when it’s happening.
What is Final Walk-through?
After all repairs are complete and the home is ready for closing, buyers have the option of taking a final tour of the property. This walkthrough allows the buyer to confirm that the seller has met the terms of the deal. it is No Time to propose any new repairs or conditions.
Don’t rush through this opportunity; Do your due diligence. The final walk-through usually takes place a few days (or hours) before closing. Once you make things official, you can’t chase the seller for additional expenses—any overages will come out of your wallet.
Salespeople are usually not present at the final walk-through. But if they are, you have a chance to ask any final questions and address any “quirks” in the house. Have a list of questions and documents ready for your walk-through.
What to bring for the final walk-through
- purchase agreement
- home inspection report
- Pen and paper for making notes
- camera
- Phone charger or other electronic device (for testing outlet)
- List of questions for the seller (or their agent)
What to Look for During the Final Walk-Through
A final walk-through will give you a chance to spot any inconveniences you should be aware of before you put your signature anywhere. From squeaky doors to shoddy plumbing, a thorough walk-through should eliminate any move-in day surprises.
Check each of the following when you do your final walk-through:
1. Sticky or creaking doors
Open and close every door and window in the house. Problems with doors and windows may point to larger issues within the home or may simply be an annoyance that you want to know about before moving in.
2. HVAC Issues
Run both the heating and air conditioning systems during your walk-through—you don’t want to wait until next season to find out that your new home has problems. Be sure you’ll be comfortable all year round.
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3. Broken Outlet
Try charging your phone or plugging another electronic device into every outlet in the house. If something isn’t working, you may have a larger electrical problem to address. This process can also give you some ideas of where you might like to place your furniture.
4. Leaky Faucet or Bad Plumbing
Running hot and cold water in all bathrooms and kitchen.
5. mold
Even if you didn’t see mold in your initial inspections, you may see it in your final walk-through. Mold grows quickly – check in the basement or around sinks for signs of mold or leaks.
6. Broken Appliances
The final walk-through may sound tedious, but it’s less painful than the dishwasher repair process. Give all appliances a one-over to make sure they’re ready for move-in. This includes the garbage disposal and the water filter in the refrigerator. No one wants to spend the first few weeks in their new home fixing an oven or calling a repairman.
7. Doorbell and Other Home Systems
Ring the doorbell. Open the garage door. Irrigate the lawn and run sprinklers. Check all of these systems to avoid surprises later.
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8. Warranty and Repair Information
The vendors may have made repairs as you requested and may have even purchased new equipment over the years. During these processes, sellers likely built relationships with local mechanics or experts. Get their names so you can contact them immediately if anything goes wrong.
9. Missing Plants
Your final walk-through shouldn’t focus solely on the inside of the home. Check the landscaping to make sure everything is in place. Are you getting all the plants and pathways you wanted? This may sound like a silly question, but it is necessary. Buyers have come to their homes only to find that trees have been dug up and shrubs removed.
10. Characteristics of Insect
Like mold, symptoms of infection may appear within a few days. Fleas, ticks and termites breed quickly, Any of the following signs may indicate a need for a closer look:
- dead insects
- Cow dung
- Pesticides under the sink or in the cabinet
- sunken floors
- small holes in the wall or baseboards
One final walk-through is well worth the time and effort it takes to go through every room and check every system. Take advantage of this opportunity and give yourself peace of mind before signing.
What repairs or changes have you negotiated as a buyer?
Let us know in the comments below!
Note by BiggerPockets: These are the views expressed by the author and do not necessarily represent the views of BigPockets.
