Why..... should the buyer do a final walkthrough?   A final walk through is very important to all buyers because it's your last chance to inspect the property before closing.  Even if my buyers don't have the time to perform it themselves, or out of town... my job as their agent is to perform it on behalf of them.   The main purpose of the walk-through inspection is to protect yourself and your future property from sellers that may not have lived up to the terms of the contract If the seller has not, you want to know about it in advance of the closing so remedies (both monetary and otherwise) can be agreed upon before money changes hands. . Usually during the initial inspection, I advise my clients to take pictures, so there is no misunderstanding as to what the house looked like when the clients saw the home last. 


When .... Should the walk through take place?

As your agent, I always try to arrange for the final walk through the day or two  before the real estate closing,   Additionally, if possible I do another walk through right before the closing. 

If you are buying a house that is owned by a relocation company, it is required to schedule a final walk through fo at least three business days before closing. This is typically stated in the relocation company's addendum in order for  the relocation company ample time to work out any issues that might arise from the final walk through. If something is wrong and you request a credit, many parties have to agree before they will proceed to close.   If we do a walkthrough this far in advance,  we should do another walk through right before the closing.

What .....to look for during the walk through?

It is important to check out the condition of the house right before the closing.   We want to make sure that the sellers have completely moved out and that the house is in "broom clean" condition if that what the contract states.  In some contracts I have noted that instead of broom clean,  it is stated that the home needs to be professionally cleaned. 

Additionally, we will be checking to make sure that any appliances, light fixtures, built ins, blinds etc. that are supposed to stay with the house (per the written contract) are still in the house and work properly.  I flush all the toilets and run the water in all the faucets. It is important to check that the pipes are not leaking.      Next it is important to look to see if there was any accidental damage done to the house when the sellers moved out, like a  a scratched hardwood floor, a broken storm door etc.

If the water is turned off or the electricity is off and you can't check the appliances - this needs to be addressed.  During my last closing, the seller turned off the gas too early.  The gas company had to be contacted to turn the gas back on in order for the buyer to test the oven and fireplace.

During the final walk through, please bring all your paperwork with you.  This should include your sales contract, any addendum(s) to the sales contract and inspection records.   If any requested repair work was done to the home due to the inspection period, this is the time we check to see if it was actually done

It's better to raise any objections during the walk through than wait until the closing. If any items are missing or anything has been left behind that should not have been,  I rather address them right after the final walkthrough.  At the closing, the seller's attorney should have any necessary receipts and warranties for repair work done, to give to your attorney. 

 If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435

The above information regarding was provided by Judy Greenberg, Buffalo Grove Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 

Judy's websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com and www.judygreenberg.com will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller! 

Judy can be reached at 847-602-5435 or via email at info@buffalogrovehomes.com. Judy has helped people move in and out of  the Chicago Northwest  Suburbs.