Massachusetts Home Buying - The Final Property Walk-Through 

My clients are closing on a home in Southborough and we just completed their walk-through in preparation. 

The final walk-through should be done close to time of closing to make sure that home is ready for you to take possession.

The sellers need to be completely moved out.  All furniture, possessions and debris needs to be out of the property and off of the grounds. You don't want to be left with something that they simply did not feel like moving. 

What actually happens at a final walk-through? 

• Any repairs that were specified in the purchase and sale agreement should have been done. You need to go through the list and inspect each repair. For major repairs that have done by professionals, you should have been provided with a paid invoice. 
• At this time you need to check on the property that is included in the sale. If the agreement states that the refrigerator, washer, dryer, window treatments or any other items are to be left, this is the time to make sure they are all still there. 
• Sometimes a mishap or accident can happen during the seller's move-out.  Did the movers nick the walls or stain the rugs?  This needs to be accounted for. 
• Walk through every room, open all of the closets, cabinets and draws.
• Run the stove, dishwasher and any other appliance that is part of the transaction.
• Turn on the faucets, flush the toilets and check the shower. 
• Switch on all of the light switches.
• Check the heating system and the air conditioning.  Everything should be working. 
• During the walk-through you may sometimes see things that were not visible when furniture and carpeting were in the home. I have often seen scratches or holes that were previously covered with area rugs.
• Look in the attic, the basement and all storage places to be sure that the owners have cleaned them out and taken their possessions with them.
• Don't forget to check the garage and test the garage door openers to make sure that they are still functioning.

Most purchase and sale agreements state that the premises should be "broom-clean." Personally, I have always had a professional cleaning done to any home I have sold.  However, not all sellers are created equal. So, you just need to be sure that the home is left in acceptable condition. 

What is the remedy for an unsuccessful walk-through? 

You can refuse to close, negotiate a hold-back of funds or agree on an amount of money that will satisfy the problem.  At this point, all parties involved want the property to transfer, so a bit of give and take is certainly in everyone's best interest. 

However, if something is not right - this is definitely the time to take a stand.

Copyright 2010 "Massachusetts Home Buying - The Final Property Walk-Through"

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

Your Buyer Broker for Massachusetts Since 1992

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