With preapproval, attending showings, committing to a down payment and engaging in bidding wars, buying a home can be arduous. If you have made it to the final walkthrough, congratulations! The final walkthrough is a crucial step where you check the condition of the home and address last-minute problems. If you’re worried about the final walkthrough, that’s entirely normal. This guide provides a checklist for the final walkthrough before closing to help you navigate the process without missing a beat.
You may want to also work with a financial advisor who can help you prepare for a mortgage or how your new real estate investment will play into your full financial plan.
Whether you’re buying your first home or your last, a final walkthrough during a real estate transaction is a buyer’s last opportunity to check the condition of the home being bought. Ideally, in a final walkthrough, it will be verified that:
This list may seem daunting, but confirming the property’s status on the final walkthrough is essential. New or previously undiscovered damage sometimes pops up on the final walkthrough, and you owe it to yourself to be thorough.
It’s a good idea to have the final walkthrough one or two days before closing. Otherwise, the elapsed time is an opportunity for more changes to occur in the home. Also, during the walkthrough, the house should be bare. If the seller still has furniture or other items in the home, they can hide damage or otherwise obstruct your walkthrough.
The buyer and buyer’s real estate agent must attend the final walkthrough. The buyer’s home inspector or the professionals who fixed anything in the house may also be present if the buyer wishes.
A number of items can help you during your final walkthrough. Use the following list to ensure your walkthrough is as thorough and productive as possible.
The final walkthrough is not a time to explore every nook and cranny of the home – that’s what a home inspection is for. Instead, the final walkthrough is a general check that the home is in the condition the seller guaranteed before closing. Doing the following eight things can help you feel satisfied with your final walkthrough:
Any repairs the seller committed to should be complete by this time. Additionally, it’s a good idea to gather receipts and any warranties from the repairs in case you need to follow up with the professional or business that did the work.
Your purchase agreement with the seller dictates what is left in the home. In the final walkthrough, you can verify that all items, from appliances to curtains, are in their proper place. Additionally, the property should contain no trash, wreckage or other remains from recent repairs.
Security is a top priority for any new homeowner. Windows and doors should open and close properly as well as lock. In addition, window screens should be in place as needed. If any of them don’t open or close fully or are broken, they might present a fire hazard.
Check the bathrooms for stagnant water by the toilet, shower and sink. Water damage or mold may have appeared since the inspection. Test each water outlet for leaks, correct drainage and hot water. The same goes for the kitchen. After checking the sink, inspect the other appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) for water damage and leaks as well.
After checking kitchen appliances for water-related issues, you can test the other appliances. For example, put the dishwasher on and see if the oven heats properly. A lingering scent of gas can indicate a serious problem.
From there, the washer, dryer and other appliances should turn on and function normally. Then, activate the air conditioning and heat, no matter how cold or hot it is outside. Your air conditioner and furnace are essential throughout the year, so turning on the air for a second is crucial, even if it’s icy cold outside.
Some houses sit vacant for a while after the seller moves out, allowing pests to move in before you. Animal droppings and carcasses can indicate a burgeoning rodent problem. Also, disintegrating wood, mushy floors and dry rot imply the presence of ants and other unwelcome creatures.
Use your phone charger on the outlets in each room as you go through it. Flip the light switches as you progress as well. After checking these, test the garage doors, doorbells and security cameras. Any electrical troubles could point to an issue that needs addressing before closing day.
You’ll want to walk around the property and inspect the home’s exterior, backyard and lawn. If your property has a pool, check for mold, mildew or damage to the lining. If your home has an irrigation system, check to see if it works by turning it on and off. Upon inspection of the exterior of your new home, make a list of any damages or actionable items you need to tend to when you move in.
The seller should not be present at the final walkthrough. However, the residence should be left “broom clean” only the items listed on the sales agreement should remain behind. Additionally, the seller should verify the completion of any necessary repairs before you move in.
The final walkthrough is often an uneventful stroll through the rooms of your home-to-be. However, issues sometimes arise that you cannot easily fix. In this case, you have several options:
Since the final walkthrough is the final step separating you from closing, the thought of something going wrong can be stressful. However, going in prepared can help you address any challenges quickly, and the seller is as invested as you are in solving any problems. Additionally, it can be helpful to remember that most final walkthroughs bring no new issues to light. Rather, your final walkthrough is a way to practice due diligence and take another look at your new home.
Photo credit: ©iStock.com/AJ_Watt, ©iStock.com/DjordjeDjurdjevic, ©iStock.com/AJ_Watt
Ashley KilroyAshley Kilroy is an experienced financial writer currently serving as an investment and insurance expert at SmartAsset. In addition to being a contributing writer at SmartAsset, she writes for solo entrepreneurs as well as for Fortune 500 companies. Ashley is a finance graduate of the University of Cincinnati. When she isn’t helping people understand their finances, you may find Ashley cage diving with great whites or on safari in South Africa.
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