Is a Final Walk Through Really Important when Buying a Phoenix Home?
Anna Kruchten makes some really great points about why final inspections are so important. Whether you are in Phoenix, Arizona or Cedar Rapids, Iowa....it is important to make sure that everything is as you remember it, nothing is missing that was supposed to be included (like the washer and dryer or the draperies and rods), that there are no large holes in the walls or flooring that were covered with furniture at the time of the offer or the home inspection, and that all of the mechanicals and appliances are still in good working order.
Don't forget that making sure that all repairs were completed and done correctly too! Once you sign the final inspection release, it is very difficult if not impossible, to expect that the seller will do anything to make sure that it is corrected if it is missed!
Keep smiling!
Karen
Is a Final Walk Through Really Important when Buying a Phoenix Home?
Buying a Phoenix home is a process. One of the very last steps of the process is doing a final walk through at the home with your real estate agent. On occasion I have clients ask whether or not they really need to do a final walk through. The short answer - YES!
At the final walk though make sure the home is in like condition as to the day you made an offer on the home. On occasion unexpected issues may arise and the walk through will give you the opportunity to make sure the home is exactly as it should be. In Arizona a seller must disclose, in writing if there have been any changes in their Property Disclosure Statement but sometimes that just doesn't happen. It's important to make sure all is well before you close on your new Phoenix home.
Recently our Phoenix home buyers had asked that the refrigerator stay with the home and the seller agreed to do so. But the seller switched refrigerators, leaving an older model at the home. Of course we had included the make and serial number of the refrigerator in the contract and the seller needed to bring back the correct appliance. Had the buyer not done a final walk through this would not have been discovered. Are you seeing the picture? Make sure everything that is supposed to be at the home is actually there and in good condition.
Did you have a home inspection? (I hope your answer is YES). Did you ask the seller to repair items? The final walk through is your time to check to be sure all items were repaired and done so properly. If the repairs were extensive or included big issues that needed a licensed contractor to repair, it would be wise to ask your home inspector to be at the final walk through. There may be a small charge for the inspector to be there but it could save you from a lot of grief later if it was discovered the repairs were done incorrectly.
Last year we had a buyer that had 2 final inspections. Why? We were told all repairs were completed (and there were a lot of them requested). At the first attempt of a final walk through, with the inspector, buyer and myself at the home, it was discovered that well over half of the repairs were either not even started or done improperly. We had to request that the seller make the repairs as agreed upon. Before we went back again to do another final walk through we made sure all repairs were actually done. Thankfully the 2nd walk through was successful and the buyer loves his new home to this day.
What should you check at the final walk through?
- Heating/Air Conditioner
- All Appliances
- Faucets as well as toilets, tubs and showers
- Electrical System
- Hot Water Heater
- Garage door and opener
- Swimming pool & spa
- Sprinkler System
- Roof
- Other items as needed
I'm sure by now that you're understanding the importance of a final walk though on your new Phoenix home. Buying a home is a BIG DEAL and it's is critical to have an experienced real estate broker guide you along each step in the process. If you have any questions about the home buying process contact me today. Together we can make your home buying experiece a smooth and successful experience.
"Your Friends and Family are in Expert Hands with Anna Banana"
Is a Final Walk Through Really Important when Buying a Phoenix Home?
Originally posted at Phoenix Property Shoppe
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Anna 'Banana' Kruchten
Owner/Broker, CRB, CRS, GRI
ADRE Certified Real Estate InstructorPhoenix Property Shoppe
602-380-4886Search for Phoenix Area Homes Here
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