Buying a home is a multi-step process, and each step is important. One step that some people think will be simple is the final walkthrough. This is one of the last chances you have a buyer to inspect the home before you close on the property.
The final walkthrough isn’t a full inspection, but it’s a time for you to confirm that the property is in the condition you expect before ownership changes hands. This step in the process happens shortly before closing, so the seller may have moved out. Agreed upon repairs should be done and the property will likely be empty.
Specific things to check
While you’re going to look at the overall condition of the property, there are a few things to make sure you check. If appliances or items like garage door openers were part of the contract, you should ensure those are all in place. You should also look for signs of damage that weren’t there during the formal inspection. Checking the electrical system, plumbing, windows and doors is also important.
If you notice serious issues during the final walkthrough, you may be able to discuss a solution with the seller. Depending on the contract and the situation, repairs, escrow holdbacks, delayed closing or other options might be possible.
Skipping the final walkthrough when you’re purchasing a home could mean that you don’t discover issues until after the closing has been completed. By that point, solutions will be harder to negotiate. Because of this, it’s critical to complete the walkthrough before closing. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial, so they can assist you throughout the process.