Final walk through on 1st investment property. What should I look for?

[Justin C.]

Just a general question prior to walking through with the previous home owner.  Do you have a standard checklist that you use?  

Thanks in advance!

[Doug Shapiro]

Hi Justin,

If I were you, I would definitely strike up as much conversation as I can with the previous home owner to try to find out all those details that inspections and walk-throughs don't cover.  Ask if the house is really hot in the summer, if there have ever been leaks, if you should know anything about next-door neighbors, and other conversational questions in-between that still provide you information about the property:

• What did you like best about the property?
• Does having the windows open in the summertime create a nice cross breeze in the house?
• Would you recommend any companies/contractors you've used while living here, such as termite exterminators, plumbers, electricians, etc.  If so, who did you use?  
• What work, if any, have you done on the property since living here?  
• Any cold drafts by windows/doors that I should worry about when its cold?

A conversation with the previous homeowner may help a lot.  Just be mindful on the reason why the previous homeowner is leaving.

[Andy Collins]

Did you have an inspection?  I would walk through with the inspection report and make sure everything is the same it was during inspection.

My inspector takes a lot of pictures, so it makes it very easy to verify everything is in the same shape it was before.

I would also simply ask, has anything changed since I first put the house under contract.

andy

[Justin C.]

Originally posted by @Andy Collins:

Thanks Andy.  Yes, walked through with my mentor initially and now doing the final walk through with just the previous homeowner 2 hours prior to closing.  Here are a few things I'm taking note of as well as verifying overall condition of the place:

• Front door, back door, and any side door knobs to be replaced
• Front/rear/side external light bulbs that need to be replaced
• Window blinds/curtains that need to be replaced (privacy and security issue)
• main water shut off location

I'm going to hit lowes/HD after closing to pickup new locks.  Will be there first thing Sat to get the house workable.  Walk through is 12pm Friday with closing at 2pm.  

[Justin C.]

Originally posted by @Richard Collins:

Yes, already have.  Like I said, this is just the final walk through.  The goal is to not spend too much personal time at this property in order to get it up and running.  So I want to be as efficient as possible going into closing and the first hours spent at the home.  I have some minor things that were mentioned in the previous post to do Saturday.  

After that, its removal of all carpets, removal of floor in bathroom and kitchen, removal of a busted up stove, then paint and re-floor.  I might have to install a new toilet and bathtub.  Also have some minor ceiling work to do as well as installing 3 ceiling fans.

[Doug Shapiro]

Hi Justin,

If I were you, I would definitely strike up as much conversation as I can with the previous home owner to try to find out all those details that inspections and walk-throughs don't cover.  Ask if the house is really hot in the summer, if there have ever been leaks, if you should know anything about next-door neighbors, and other conversational questions in-between that still provide you information about the property:

• What did you like best about the property?
• Does having the windows open in the summertime create a nice cross breeze in the house?
• Would you recommend any companies/contractors you've used while living here, such as termite exterminators, plumbers, electricians, etc.  If so, who did you use?  
• What work, if any, have you done on the property since living here?  
• Any cold drafts by windows/doors that I should worry about when its cold?

A conversation with the previous homeowner may help a lot.  Just be mindful on the reason why the previous homeowner is leaving.

[Justin C.]

Originally posted by @Doug Shapiro:
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you Jay.