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Why Do a Final Walkthrough?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Cityside

Just before closing, the buyers agent will recommend a final walkthrough of the property. No, this isn't to make sure you still want to go through with it!

The point of the final walkthrough is to make sure that there haven't been any material changes to the property since the contract went binding, confirm that everything that was supposed to convey is still there, and to make sure that any agreed upon repairs have been satisfactorily completed. It should be done after the sellers have moved out, and as close to closing as possible. And I have learned that if the sellers agent can be there, a lot of issues can be worked out on the spot. 

It's rare for something deal-killing to be revealed at the final walkthrough, but it can be stressful and bring up issues that have to be resolved before closing can occur. Repairs that aren't completed, missing appliances, rugs that covered up damaged floors, discovery of vandalism or broken HVAC are all things that have to be addressed to all parties satisfaction, or closing will be delayed. 

Even if it's inconvenient, make the time to do that final walk through with your agent. You'll never be sorry that you did!

Posted by

Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

All very good reasons to do a finally walk-through before closing. 

Jul 11, 2014 02:10 AM
Eric Ferber
Cutler Commercial - Phoenix, AZ

A final walkthrough is essential in all types of transactions. Thanks for sharing!

Jul 11, 2014 02:18 AM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Hi Shelly,

We always tell our buyers to do a final walk through. They usually don't object to doing them.

Jul 19, 2014 12:53 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

A final walk through is so important. For instance, my buyers and I did a final walk through only to find the washer and dryer missing. They were to convey, so at settlement we asked and got the funds to purchase a washer and dryer.

Aug 02, 2014 12:02 AM