Once you have purchased your property, your agent should have a preset time in your contract prior to close for you to go back through the property and take a look at the property prior to closing. This is called the walk through. This is a great time to make sure the property is in the same condition as it was the day you purchased the property. You will want to make sure all repair work has been completed if you asked for repairs during your inspection resolution.
A great way to treat a walk through is start at the front door and work your way through the property. Start by turning on all lights, check all the appliances, check all the closets, attic, cabinets to make sure most of the items are out. If they are not, be sure to inquire if the seller plans to remove the items.
Run the bath, shower, flush the stools, check the fridge, check all the appliances, and turn on the air or furnace depending on the weather. Make sure all your major appliances are working per your contract and seller property disclosure. After you run the bath and shower, be sure to go to the basement and check the basement for any leaks. Make sure the garage door opener works!!!
Finally, look around and make sure the floor, walls, ceilings, roof, exterior walls, garage etc. all look like they did when you wrote your purchase agreement.
Please let your Realtor know if you will be bringing more than yourselves to the walk through. Out of respect to the seller they would like to know how many people will be at their home.
Try to limit the time of the walk through to no longer than an hour.
Most buyers have up to 2 days prior to close to go back and look at the home, and do the walk through. The average time is usually a half hour. If you are taking longer than that it maybe because your are measuring, devising a plan for the move, deciding on paint colors etc.
If there is a problem, allow your Professional Realtor to work with the other Realtor to get the property back in the condition it was at the day of purchase.
Trust your Professional, they are trained negotiators.
If there are any repairs that need to be written up, and renegotiated between you and the seller, you can always request a second walk through with the listing agent.
Be sure to remember to get the utilities in your name prior to the seller turning off the utilities.
Do not forget about ordering trash service, phone service, and any other services you may need to get your house hold up and running.
Finally, why do a walk through? You want to make sure the property has not been vandalized, it has a dry basement, the furnace and air still work, and the home was not damaged during the sellers move. It is also a good time to check to see if things are still working. This is the time your Realtor will check to make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are up!! The Realtor will also work on coordinating getting keys and garage door remotes.
You should never be given a key in advance of closing unless it was put in writing and becomes apart of your contract. Otherwise you are participating in early occupancy. Early occupancy needs to be agreed upon all parties.
Your keys to your home should be given to you at closing unless it is negotiated otherwise in your purchase agreement. Are famous statement in real estate is: Cash for Keys, meaning...once the home is closed you may have your keys to your new home.
Congratulations! You are just a few days away from closing on your home. We are very proud of your decision to purchase a home!!!!
Best of luck to you!
Shelli Novotny Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate 402-250-7042 shelli.novotny@bhhsamb.com
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