Tips for a Successful Walk-Through
Tips for a Successful Walk-Through by
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty
678.929.6529
After the inspections, the appraisal, the negotiations over repairs
and other items, it's tempting to coast down the rest of the road to
closing on the purchase of your new home. You have one final duty,
however, and it's important: the final walk-through.
This walk-through happens shortly before closing – the timing is
typically dependent on when the current owners move out – and can occur
anytime from a week to a day before closing.
Plan to spend as much time in the home as needed to ensure that
nothing has changed since you agreed to purchase it. Once you sign the
papers at closing, the house is yours and the current homeowners have
little to no liability for problems.
Remember, you are not inspecting the home for anything missed during
previous inspections – this inspection is to make sure the home wasn't
damaged during the move-out and that all agreed-upon repairs were
performed.
Let's take a look at ways to ensure your final walk-through is successful.
Preparation
As you get closer to closing on the home, ask your real estate agent
to call the listing agent to find out when the homeowners will be
completely moved out of the home. Having a firm date will help you
schedule the walk-through when it is convenient for you.
Ask your agent to remind the homeowners to leave all utilities on. If
you arrive at the home to do the walk-through and the utilities are
off, have them turned on and delay the closing until you can check the
house.
Bring a list of repairs that the homeowners agreed to make so that
you can check them off as you tour the home, and take a camera along to
document anything that doesn't look right.
What to Look For
Approach the walk-through systematically so that you don't miss
anything. Many buyers start at the front door and move around the house
from right to left, checking everything from top to bottom.
Repairs: As you tour the home, check that all
agreed-upon repairs have been made. Ensure that the homeowner left
copies of permits, invoices and work orders, complete with the
contractor's name and contact information and warranties, if any.
Condition: Is the home in the same condition as it
was when you agreed to purchase it? A common problem that pops up during
the final walk-through is damage caused when the sellers moved out:
scrapes on wood floors, damage to walls and baseboards, and broken
fixtures. This is why it is so important to systematically inspect every
wall, from top to bottom.
Appliances: Check all appliances that were included
in the purchase. First, make sure that these are indeed the appliances
you agreed on. While it doesn't happen often, shady sellers have been
known to take high-end appliances and leave inexpensive or used
replacements in their stead. Then, check that the appliances function
properly. Run the dishwasher through a cycle, check that the icemaker
and water dispenser in the refrigerator/freezer are functioning and that
the stove and garbage disposer works.
Plumbing and HVAC: Turn on all the hot water taps to
ensure that the water heater is functioning properly and that hot water
is available at the taps. Flush the toilets. Turn on the heater and
then the air conditioner.
Exterior: Run the pool and spa and check that the
lights, filters and heater work. Check the irrigation system. If there
is a timer, you may want to tinker with it to ensure it is functioning.
If you don't understand how to use the control panel for these items,
ask your agent to request that the sellers supply you with instruction
manuals.
Other exterior items to inspect:
Automatic garage door – Have the sellers left the remotes?
Plants – Did the sellers remove landscaping?
Built-in barbecue – Does it function, and do you need instructions to use it?
Cleanliness: Most real estate deals require that the
home be at least "broom swept," meaning the home should be clean and
free of any of the former occupant's possessions. The home doesn't
necessarily need to be cleaned to your exacting standards, but if it
will require extensive cleaning to get it into move-in shape, request
that the sellers hire someone to clean it before closing.
Check the attic, basement, garage, sheds and the sides of the home to
make sure the sellers took all of their belongings with them.
Document anything that is an issue for you, and have your real estate
agent go to bat for you to remedy the situation. It's better to hold
off the closing for a few days to ensure that you're getting the house
you paid for.
To learn more about buying or selling a home contact
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty today. 678.929.6529. We specialize in luxury homes in the North Atlanta area of North Fulton and Forsyth counties.
Tips for a Successful Walk-Through
