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For Buyers: helping guidelines for the final Walk- Through

By
Real Estate Agent
Your purchase agreement has provided for a final look at the home before you close the transaction. Take advantage of this time. Schedule this final walk through at least 24 hours before closing. If any issue surfaces you have time to resolve it before dosing. The following guidelines are to assist you in completing a Walk -through: • Be sure all utilities are operational before your walk through. Turn on all appliances. Be sure they are in good working order, feel free to run the dishwasher through one complete cycle. • Ask the homeowner for all of the operating manuals and warranty information on appliances and items such as burglar alarms, sprinklers and other special equipment . • For safety reasons test the remote garage door openers and all door locks. Be sure the keys and openers will be available at closing. You might consider changing all locks upon possession of the home. • Run water from all outlets. Check for leaks under the sinks. While water is running, flush all toilets, to check for water pressure, and to be sure that the drains are free of clogs. Be sure to test the garbage disposal if applicable. • Check walls and ceilings for new water stains. • Walk the exterior of the home and check siding, roofing and landscaping. • lf temperature permits, turn on the air conditioner. Check the register vents to be sure that the air is cool. The outside unit should run quietly and should discharge warm air. Turn on the furnace and let it run until blowers activate. Make sure the air is warm. • Confirm that any requested repairs are complete and conform to your purchase agreement. You should receive receipts for work completed and also ask for warranty information for any newly installed equipment. • Use common sense to determine any other areas that may need attention. Please add any review of the home that helps you feel confident that this home meets the requirements of the purchase agreement. • Now you are ready to proceed to closing.

Comments(2)

Rick Callaham
Team Quintana Real Estate - Spokane, WA
Spokane Realtor

Hey Maria,

Rick Callaham - Spokane Home Buying Expert It sounds good, but I think many of these things should be done at inspection. Some sellers might not like you running their dishwasher and realistically you don't have right to do some of the things. I think you do have the right to make sure that the property condition hasn't changed since the inspection and that any work is done.

People need to be careful not to go beyond their rights in the contract. And don't leave things on or do things to the property that you shouldn't. Many people don't even do the walkthrough anymore, this is a mistake. But you should do this kind of walkthrough during inspection time in addition or with your inspector. But do it when you still have time to ask for repairs. I would suggest before you have the inspector out because home inspections don't always check everything, sometimes they spot check things.

Rick Callaham - Team Quintana Real Estate

Spokane Home Buying Expert

www.TeamQuintana.com

Jan 28, 2008 04:57 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Maria, Here, to my knowledge, they do a walkthrough with many (if not all) of these suggestions.  I think it's a comprehensive list you've put together. 
Jan 28, 2008 10:09 AM