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Final Walkthrough -- OK...So What Are We Supposed to Do Here??

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives Integrity R.E. Broker 55289-90

It's here -- well, almost. Closing day. The home inspection is completed. You have loan commitment. The boxes are packed. You are about to become a new homeowner. But there's one more thing to do.

The "Final Walkthrough."

So...what's a final walkthrough?

House

Quite simply, it's an opportunity for you, the buyer, to take a final look at the house before closing day to make sure that, except for normal wear and tear, there are no significant changes in the condition of the property. It is also a time to ensure repairs have been made in a manner as they were agreed upon in the contract.

What isn't a final walkthrough?

A final walkthrough is not a home inspection. It's not the time to check if every window is working properly, or to check when the last time was that the furnace and air conditioning were serviced, or to check for any signs of water damage. Those items are looked at during the home inspection, if you choose to include that as part of the terms in your offer.

And if you chose not to have a home inspection...well, you're outta luck at this point.

So be sure to talk to your sales agent when writing an offer about the benefits of having a home inspection included as part of the terms of your offer. Making that investment of a few hundred dollars can help alleviate any concerns or anxieties about potential issues at the final walkthrough and beyond closing.

 

 

Carlos Morales
Re/Max Homes and Estates - Irvine, CA

Peggy

This is a good reminder for all of us.

Not only you reduce you liability with your buyers but you look professional and knowledgeable when suggesting a home inspections.

Good Reminder

Carlos Morales

Aug 20, 2009 01:59 PM
Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

Peggy,

For many years the law in Ontario was rather vague, and a final walkthrough was not permitted unless specified in the agreement.

Now, it's an implied term.

 

Brian

 

Aug 20, 2009 02:00 PM
Bob Murphy
Keller Williams Realty Consultants - New Albany, IN

Peggy

My impression of a final walk through is a time to confrim that any requests for repairs from the home inspection have been done to the satisfaction of the buyer as it relates to the agrred to repair terms.  It's also a time to be sure no undo harm has come to the home from the accepted offer to the closing day.  I generally explaind this to mu buyer clients prior to the home inspection.

 

Aug 20, 2009 02:03 PM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Carlos -- I had a bit of a sticky situation at a final walkthru a few weeks ago. Everything turned out alright, but it sure reminded me of the importance of explaining the value of a home inspection plus the purpose of the final walkthrough.

Brian -- Here in Wisconsin, a final walkthrough is part of every offer. It's proven, in my opinion, to be a valuable option for the buyer. Thank you for stopping by!!

Aug 20, 2009 02:03 PM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Bob - Exactly! I've noticed over the past several months that more and more buyers are confused about what it is intended for. I think I (unfortunately) tend to assume they just understand everything the way we do. Need to remind myself to explain things in more detail sometimes.

Aug 20, 2009 02:05 PM
Ian Niquette
Square One Home Inspection - Markesan, WI

Peggy, that is good advice. One thing I do for my home inspection clients, is to create a list for the final walk through, from the original  home inspection report. It is  better than me going to the walk through with them and the realtor. They get their list and check items out, and I stay out of the way. Works pretty well for me. 

Aug 20, 2009 11:41 PM