A final walkthrough is an opportunity for a home buyer to inspect a home. The final walkthrough before closing ensures the buyer’s new home is being delivered as spelled out in the purchase contract.
During your final walkthrough you will check to see that the home is in the same condition as you last saw it, the seller has performed any negotiated repairs, everything is in working order and there is no new damage to the home.
WHEN DOES THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH HAPPEN?
A final walkthrough should be done just prior to closing. Anywhere from just before closing to 48 hours before closing.
The time to do your final walkthrough is after the sellers have completely vacated the property.
Ideally, if the home seller vacates a day or two early that is best for the homebuyer. But in reality, sometimes the seller’s move goes right up to the closing.
You want the home vacated for the walkthrough so you ensure items are not left behind for you to trash and you can easily inspect the home.
Start talking about the final walkthrough 7 days prior to your closing.
This allows time to set expectations for both the buyer and the seller. If they vacate a day before closing this allows time to fix or negotiate any walkthrough issues.
WHO ATTENDS THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH?
You and your real estate agent should both attend the final walkthrough. Often the seller’s agent will be present as well. But, really anyone can be present.
On occasion, the home seller will be present. Though as a buyer’s agent I prefer they don’t attend. The final walkthrough just prior to closing is for your benefit and I don’t want my homebuyer’s distracted with idle chit chat.
Sometimes, if there are items like a hot tub, generator, etc… is present the seller can give a quick tutorial of how to run the equipment if they are present. That can be done at the final walkthrough or at a previous get together.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE LAST RUN THROUGH OF THE HOME
As you are walking through the home you should expect the following as spelled out in your purchase and sale agreement:
- The home is delivered in the same condition as you saw it in during your last visit. Check for damage from the seller moving and it appears to be in the same condition as you last saw it.
- The home is delivered free and clear of all personal belongings and debris. The seller should not be leaving anything that is a burden for you to remove. This includes construction materials, old paint and chemicals, unwanted items the seller thought was to burdensome for them to remove.
- The home is clean. In your contract, your real estate agent should specify windows, rugs, cabinets, walls, etc.
- All appliances and fixtures that are supposed to stay with the home are in place. Fall back to your purchase contract about what is staying and what is going.
- Any negotiated items are in place. Sometimes items like play equipment, garage tools and even furniture are negotiated as part of the sale.
- There has been no new damage to the home. Occasionally storm damage, a pipe bursts, or other damage occurs to the home. If this has happened you should have been notified and the problem fixed under the seller’s homeowners’ insurance.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Be prepared with the following before walking through your new home before closing.
- Your real estate agent! Make sure your real estate agent is in attendance. To be honest a good buyer’s agent will bring everything that needs to be brought with you.
- Your purchase contract. It spells out the details of how your new home is to be delivered.
- A notepad or some means of taking notes.
- A camera to document any issues.
