Why Are You Not Doing Your Final Walk Through?

Performing a walk through or pre-settlement inspection can save you much aggravation down the road. The final walk-through is one of the last parts of the real estate transaction process. The walk through is performed shortly before the two parties complete the transaction. It could be several days before or several hours before the actual closing.

Too many buyers do not do the final walk through. When I ask buyers about the final walk through they often do not know what I am talking about. Why don't they have the information they need so they can go back into the home and make sure the conditions that existed at the time of the New Jersey home inspection remain. It is the time to make sure that all of the agreed upon items of the contract are in place. Its your last opportunity to make sure that all of the corrective measures the sellers have agreed too are in place. Once you close on the home you may not be able to get issues corrected. You significantly loose your position of leverage. A final walk through is crucial in protecting your interests. You have hired a thorough NJ home inspector why not perform your walk through to see if the seller has held up their end of the contractual commitments. Most Home inspectors in NJ do perform pre-settlement inspections for a fee but you can do them yourself. I have found that some clients are uncomfortable doing them. If you have a client who is not comfortable in doing the walk through check with the home inspector, he or she may be able to do the walk through at a nominal fee.

During the walk through you want to check the home from top to bottom including the exterior.

1. Walk around the exterior of the property. Check the exterior walls, windows, roof and chimney. Make sure that the exterior components of the home are in the same condition as when you had your home inspection. If there is a garage check the operation of the garage door and automatic garage door safety reversing devise to make sure that they are in good operating order.

2. Walk the basement and keep your eyes open for any signs of water infiltration or flooding. Are there any musty or moldy odors present that were not there at the time of the home inspection? Operate the basement windows and walk out doors. Turn on the lights and operate any appliances that are installed in the lower level. Make sure that adequate water pressure exists at all fixtures, tubs and toilets located in the basement.

3. Check the electrical panel (do not remove the cover), boiler and water heater. Does anything appear to be out of order? Are there any water leaks around these appliances or panel?

4. Operate all appliances in the kitchen to make sure that they are all working. Operate hot water at the sink faucet to make sure that there is adequate hot water flow to the fixture and to determine if the water heater is operational. Open and close all cabinets and drawers. Operate all light fixtures and exhaust fans.

5. Open and close all of the windows in the living room, dining room and interior rooms. Operate all the light fixtures in the interior rooms to verify that they are functional. Check the interior ceilings for any signs of water staining.

6. Operate the sinks, tubs and showers in all of the remaining bathrooms. Check to see if hot water flows from each fixture and that the fixtures still have good functional water pressure. Open and close the windows in the bathrooms. Operate the lights and exhaust fans to make sure they are operational.

7. Open and close all of the windows in the bedrooms. Open and close all interior and closet doors to make sure that they are in good condition. Look at the walls and flooring to make sure that they are free from damage.

8. Go into the attic and look for any new areas of water staining. Operate the whole house fan if one if present. Make sure that the pull down attic stairs are in good condition and operating smoothly.

9. Operate the central air conditioning in the home (only if the exterior temperature has been over 65 degrees for the past 24 hours). Bring an indoor/outdoor thermometer and check to see that there is at least a 12-14 degree temperature drop between the conditioned air exiting the registers and the air temperature at the returns. If the drop is less then 12-14 degrees the air conditioner will need servicing or replacement.

10. Turn off the air conditioning. Wait ten minutes then turn on the heating unit using the thermostats in the home. Wait five minutes and determine if there is heat distribution at all the radiators, or registers. Return to the basement and make sure that the furnace or boiler is operating smoothly.

11. Lastly determine if the seller has performed any agreed upon repairs or corrections. Determine if the repairs have been done professionally with supporting paperwork, warranties or guarantees.

12. Make sure that all of the agreed upon items still remain in the home. Often there are agreed too items that are to be left in the home, you must make sure these items are present before you close on the home.

Take your time completing the final walk-through. You do not want to be in a rush and miss something. Do not let the sellers rush you. It may be a good idea to let them know in advance that you plan to do a walk through and that you need some time to do it right. You hold the power in the transaction so don't get rushed along.

It is very helpful to have your NJ home inspection report with you so you can use it as a reference. Also have the sales contract with you, both documents will make it easier for you to determine if the agreed upon corrections or leave be hind items are there. Have your realtor or home inspector accompany you. The more eyes on the property the better.

As you inspect, make a list any issues that still need attention in order to meet the conditions of the agreement. Show the list to the seller and work out corrective measures that are acceptable to you. Attempt to try to get all issues remedied before you close on the home. Consult with your attorney and/or agent for advice on this and other options that are available.

A final walk-through inspection is a very important step that you should take seriously and not ignore. Make sure you have a clause in your real estate contract that allows you too have the opportunity to do the walk through. The increased peace of mind will be well worth the time and effort.

LookSmart Home inspections performs New Jersey home inspections throughout NJ.