Homebuying: What Is & Why Do a Final Walk-Through? Checklist Included*

What Is and Why Do a Final Walk-Through Before Closing?

Checklist Included*

The "walk-through" should be a positive experience with minimum impact.  You should have already completed a thorough Home Inspection by a licensed Home Inspector weeks ago, and if any repairs were agreed on, this is the time to make sure they were completed.  This is not the time to begin negotiations with the seller to do repairs, nor is it a contingency.

Make sure all property that was part of your Sales Agreement is either still in the residence or has been removed. You do not want to move into your new house only to find that some things are missing or that junk has been left behind.

As you go through the residence, pay attention to crawl spaces, attics, basements and garages. Even if the sellers have not moved yet, you may still get a clear picture that there are some items that they have no intention of removing. Tell this to your agent to avoid a confrontation on moving day. Also, make sure you pay particular attention to expensive items that are important to you, watch for areas that may have been previously covered, address any items removed or not removed, and make sure to remain calm if you discover an issue. Also, check to see if any damage has been done as a result of the move and make sure to check all appliances and other items, such as the furnace and air conditioning.

Here’s what you need to know for your final walk-through:

1. A final walk-through isn’t a home inspection. You’ve already done that by now (or should have).

2. Take your contract with you so you can review any items in question. You might need to refer to it while on site.

3. If the home is vacant, it’s even more important to do a final walk-through. Since your last visit, for instance, someone might have left a faucet dripping, inadvertently causing water damage.

4. Take along a checklist (or you can also find ready-to-use checklists online, such as this one*) of things to do during the final walk-through, including:

* Check the exterior of the home, especially if there have been strong wind or rain storms since your last visit.

* Turn all light fixtures on and off. 

* Make sure the seller hasn’t removed any fixtures, such as chandeliers, that he or she agreed to leave behind. 

* Check all major appliances. 

* Turn heat and/or air conditioning on and off. 

* Turn on water faucets; check for leaks under sinks.

* Do a visual spot-check of ceilings, walls, and floors. 

* Check the status of any agreed-upon repairs. 

* Check screens and storm windows. If they’ve been stored, make sure you know where they are and that they’re in good shape. 

* Look in storage areas to make sure no trash or unwanted items remain. 

* Do a quick check of the grounds. Some sellers have dug up and taken plants (even small trees or bushes) with them.

Take your time moving through the home and make sure you pay close attention to ensure you don’t miss any major issues.Remember, this is the time to deal with any potential problems and a time to let your agent handle the details.