The Final Walk-Through

Published by cravat | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Miscellaneous, Real Estate, Shout Outs, Uncategorized

Doing the final walk through differs from what home inspection, it is also not the period to start negotiations with the seller to do repairs nor is it a contingency. A final walk-through is an inspection done anywhere which can vary from a few hours to several days before closing. The main point is to make sure that the house is in perfect order you agreed to invest in.

Most of the time buyers are pressed for time as the day comes closer for closing and there are instances that buyers may pass on the final walk through which not quite a good plan to go without.

Unoccupied Homes

Oftentimes sellers leave before closing if that will be the case, it is much more important that buyers do a final walk-through. Trouble often comes out when homes sit unoccupied for a period of time. For instance, when companies who specializes, in termites test showers, they block the shower drain and let the water flow. And if the termite inspector fails to remember to close the shower handle, it may turn to a total flooded bathroom which I believe you will definitely want.

Case Example

There is couple who where a few days away from closing on a gorgeous bungalow house. The house was previously owned by a sports writer who relocated and immediately left the property after putting it on the market. The typical inspection has been made and went on smoothly, the inspector has not noted anything down that needed immediate repair or would cause an alarm.

On the day that the couple arrived for the final walk-through, the agent advised them to inspect like turn on the lights, open the water and check if the oven is still functioning, those are typical safety measures. Usually new couples are more absorbed on the excitement of having a home. Rather than listening to their agent’s advice, the couple continued on discussing their plans of remodeling, etc. Obviously the buyers had no concern doing the final walk-through when their agent took the pleasure of looking around, turning on the lights, check the toilets when suddenly both the couple screamed only to find out a geyser – water is gushing from the cemented ground and smelled terribly.

If their agent had not flushed the toilet the couple would have not found out that the sewer line had roots budding on it. The couple still had a time to withhold an amount from the seller’s proceed to have the problems repaired and completed which cost around $5,000.00.

Let me give you a list of items to inspect on your final walk-through:

1.     Open and close every lights

2.     Run water and check under for leaks

3.     Examine all appliances

4.     Open and close all doors and windows

5.     Check the ceilings, floors and walls

6.     Test air condition

An Occupied Home

Other seller prefers to stay until the deal has been closed or even after a few days has been closed. I highly suggest that buyers do a final walk-through in front of the seller. Asking me why? Because the seller is aware of all the small and big problems in the house and can instantly answer your questions

One good thing to ask: The one remodeling you have always wanted to do but were not able to do so.

A perfect time to question the seller, because there are instances, that buyer never see or get to meet the sellers. In addition, you may be needed to communicate with previous owners so completing the final walk-through.