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.