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The importance of the final walk through

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Keller Williams Golden Triangle Realty

The importance of the final walk through

Don't move home without it.

You found your dream home, your offer was accepted and the deal closes in a few short days.  How exciting!  Before you celebrate, there one final step required before you take possession.  It’s the final walk through. 

Why is the final walk through important?

The purpose of the final walk through is to give you, the new soon-to-be owner, a final chance to see the house before the deal is finalized. 

This is your opportunity to verify that everything is as it should be with the property.  During the final walk through you get to make sure all of the items that you negotiated for as part of the purchase have remained with the home and are in the same condition they were when you made the offer.  Anything you don’t want should also be removed.   If any problems are noted there’s opportunity to have them addressed before the deal is closed.

The final walk through tends to happen 2-3 days prior to closing.  The visit will have been negotiated during the offer period, and will be included as in the actual offer.

What to look for

  • Items you purchased.  Check to see that what you negotiated to buy is in the house. If you negotiated for the crystal chandelier and stainless steel appliances, make sure they haven’t been replaced by something else.
  • Items you didn’t purchase.  Old basement chesterfields have a funny way of being left behind. What’s not staying should be removed before you take possession.  Check the attic, garage, under the deck and shed for unwanted items and junk.
  • Repairs your seller agreed to.  Check to see that they are complete and ensure that copies of paid receipts or warranties have been forwarded to your lawyer.
  • Any new damage.  Moving is tough on a house, and you shouldn’t have to be stuck with any damage that has occurred since your offer went firm.  Take note of any damage to the floors or walls, and make sure there hasn’t been any water damage.
  • Working order: Makesure everything works.  Turn on lights, flush toilets, test all appliances, run the heating and cooling (when possible).

What if something is wrong on moving day?

Take note and tell me.  I will make sure to communicate your concerns to your lawyers who can help ensure that your concerns are addressed.

 

Moving into to your new home is an exciting time.  Never under estimate the importance of the final walk through for ensuring that you get the home you purchased.

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