7 Tips for a Successful Final Walkthrough

Congratulations on the impending purchase of your new home! Your final walkthrough is the last step before closing to make sure all aspects of the home are within your expectations and what has been agreed upon between you and the seller.  Knowing the purpose of a walkthrough, how to check the home, and what aspects to prioritize will make your final task one that is easy and organized.

These 7 tips will help you prepare for your final walkthrough:

1. Properly schedule the walkthrough.  Your walkthrough should take place in the 24 hours before closing and typically last about 30 minutes.  If possible, you should allow a complete hour to be thorough.
2. Understand the walkthrough process.  The walkthrough is not an inspection. A thorough inspection should have already been done by a qualified home inspector. The walkthrough is the last chance for you to view the home and check that the sellers left it in the agreed-upon condition.
3. Take your contract and inspection to the walkthrough.  Don’t rely on your memory as to what the seller agreed to do to the property or what is to be left behind.
4. Make a checklist for your property walkthrough.  Be sure to include the following:
   • Check the exterior of the home for wind or rain damage since your last visit
   • Check all light fixtures, the heating and air conditioning systems, water faucets, toilets, appliances, garage door openers, garbage disposal and exhaust fans to make sure they work properly
   • Check the property and grounds to make sure the seller has not removed any chandeliers or other fixtures, appliances, plants or outdoor accessories that specified to be left with the property.
   • Check for leaks under sinks, around toilets and outdoors around hoses and faucets
   • Open and close all windows and doors including screens and storm windows. If storm windows are in storage, locate them and make sure they’re in usable condition.
   • Check all ceilings, walls and floors, checking for water damage or stains.
   • Check storage areas for trash and unwanted items such as old paint or hazardous materials like solvents or chemicals.
5. Check that all repairs have been made as agreed upon.  If the seller agreed to repairs after the inspection, be sure to check that a satisfactory repair was made to those items.  Once you close on the home, the seller is not required to make the repairs afterwards.
6. Consider bringing a home inspector to your walkthrough.  Having an inspector with you can help you make sure that repairs have been made and identify any serious problems.
7. Know how to handle a problem.  In most walkthroughs, minor issues take place and can be easily resolved.   However, it is possible that you will find that some sellers have not kept their end of the contract.  You may also discover a new issue or repair is needing to be addressed. The best way to deal with a problem is to first think about the severity of the issue and its impact on your purchase.  If the cost is under $1,000 or is an easy fix for you as the new owner, it may not be worth addressing with the seller.  Yet if a major issue needs to be addressed with the seller, let your real estate agent and the seller’s agent can help negotiate with the seller.

Having a successful final walkthrough is easy when you are prepared.  Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to enjoying being  a new homeowner!