All of the conditions of your contract have been met and you're in the home stretch to closing on your new home but there's one step left before the big day - the final walk through. The day before or even the day of closing we will go to the house that you're getting ready to buy for a few reasons.
First, the condition of the home should be the same or better than the day you wrote the offer. For instance, is there any damage to the walls caused from the movers? Are there any new carpet stains? Secondly, you are confirming that all repairs have been made that were agreed on from the home inspection. Finally, this is your last chance to make sure that the seller has removed all of their personal belongings and debris.
Tips for The Final Walk Through
- Repairs - Check to make sure that all agreed upon repairs have been made. After your home inspection, you probably sent over a removal addendum requesting the seller to make certain repairs. You negotiate the repairs, put it in writing, and sign it. The walk through is the time to verify that the repairs have been made. This is rare but if the seller did not make a repair, you can notify your closing company and they can actually hold out funds from the seller's proceeds to pay for the repairs to be completed.
- Personal Property - Verify that all personal property included in the sales price is there. Everything is negotiable in a contract but oftentimes you'll find there are some items included with the home like appliances, window treatments, ceiling fans, alarm systems, etc. At our beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it's typical to buy a condo that is fully furnished which means that everything down to the salt and pepper shakers are included in the sale. The walk through is a great time to make sure that all property that is included in the sale is present.
- Check the Water - Run the faucets and make sure the hot water heater is working. Cold showers - enough said.
- Remotes - Look for garage door openers and any other remote controls that should go with the home, like for a ceiling fan. Also, see if there are any spare keys left, then change the locks.
- Warranties - Most sellers leave instruction books and warranties for appliances left at the home. Check to be sure.
- Unwanted Items - Every now and then we find that a seller leaves something that they shouldn't have like a stack of wood or paint cans from 20 years ago. These items need to go before closing.
Lastly, it's a good idea to bring the following items with you for the walk through:
- Note pad
- Camera for repairs not made
- A copy of your Purchase Agreement
- The summary of the home inspection report
- A copy of the Home Inspection Removal Addendum detailing agreed upon repairs.
The majority of the time, at the end of the final walk through, we'll sign an agreement stating that everything is A-OK and you can go to closing with confidence.
Are you in the market to buy a home? Call me. I'll walk you through the process.
Jeff Nelson
eXp Realty Southern Branch
251-654-2523
jeff@livegulfshoreslocal.com
Step 1 - Determine How Much You Can Afford
Step 3 - Get Pre-Approved for Your Mortgage
Step 4 - Establish Your Needs and Wants in a Home
Step 5 - Time to Go House Hunting
Step 7 - Get Final Approval for Your Loan
Step 8 - Contingencies, Appraisal, and Repairs
Step 9 - Utilities and Insurance
