The final walk-through is a thorough inspection buyers perform five days or less before closing. Typically, all furnishings have been removed from the home by the seller prior to this, allowing the buyer to clearly view walls, floors, corners and any other parts of the home that may have previously been obstructed by the owner's furnishings. The primary purpose of a final walk-through is to ensure the home is in the condition the buyer expects it to be and the seller promised it to be. In addition, any repairs the seller agreed to make should be completed at this time.
Things to Watch for During a Final Walk-Through
Is Everything There?
All homes for sale in The Vistas Summerlin will offer a closing agreement that may contain a list of items that should remain with the home. During the final walk-through, check to see if appliances or other items that are attached to the home (chandeliers, drapes, hot tubs or wood stoves, for example) have not been removed. Some sellers think buyers may forget about this agreement and take the items surreptitiously. Or, sellers may take items that are supposed to stay and hope the buyer doesn't make a "big deal" about it.
Get Receipts of Agreed-Upon Repairs
A seller can claim that repairs have been made to a noisy furnace or leaky roof but how do you know until you let the furnace run for awhile or it rains? To be certain that repairs have been professionally addressed, ask the seller for receipts of all repairs asked for in the closing contract.
Check Electricity and Plumbing
Even though you might have performed a rudimentary inspection of your new home several weeks ago, a lot of things can go wrong from that time until the final walk-through. Check all outlets to make sure they work (bring along a small table fan to plug into outlets) and turn on the water in the kitchen and bathroom. Flush the toilet twice, as well. If any appliances are included in the closing, ask for copies of owner manuals and warranties.
Check Windows and Doors
Open and close all windows and doors several times to ensure they function properly. Inspect locking mechanisms for any problems and make sure no storm windows or screens are missing. When you open and close doors, look closely at the hinges. Do they move when the door is opening or closing? Loose hinges need repaired as soon as possible because hinges and their screws will eventually fall out and potentially damage the door when it comes off its hinges.
Inspect Walls and Ceilings
Although you may have already looked at the walls and ceilings, it needs to be re-done during the final walk-through. The seller could have accidentally put cracks in the walls while moving their furnishings out of the home. Evidence of a leaking roof may have manifested since the last inspection, as well. If you notice stains on the ceiling, notify your Realtor immediately.
Check for Signs Mold and Mildew
Although homes for sale in The Vistas Summerlin are carefully maintained by attentive homeowners, mold can develop rapidly within 24 hours of water damage or moisture accumulation. Even if the inspector didn't find any water damage or mold when he or she examined the home, doesn't mean it isn't there. If you find brown, black, green, or orange spots anywhere in the home during your final walk-through, it may be mold. Water leaks and high humidity conditions commonly occur underneath kitchen sinks, in bathrooms, around the refrigerator, water heater or laundry room so be sure to inspect these areas closely.
Basements and Attics
Look for rafter or truss damage while inspecting the attic. When rafters exhibit a color that is not the color of natural wood, this may indicate a fire once occurred in the attic or the home. Basements and attics are also the most common places to find pest infestations. Although a pest inspection should have already been performed, it doesn't take long for rodents to move into dark, hidden places like attics and basements. Also, note if any plumbing in the basement is unnecessarily exposed or shows signs of leaking, rust or other degradation.
If you are looking for homes for sale in The Vistas Summerlin and need the assistance of a realty company that will ensure the home you purchase is exactly how you expect it to be, contact The Ballen Group today at 702-604-7739 or visit www.TheBallenGroupSummerlin.com.
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