What to Check During the Final Walk-Through

One of the last steps in the home buying process is the final walk-through. It typically takes place within seven days of closing or transferring on the property. It is one of the important final steps in the home buying process and should not be waived. It allows you to take one last look at the property prior to the house being transferred into your name. The final walk-through allows you to make sure that nothing has been removed or changed in the house since your offer to purchase the property. You should also take a copy of any contractual repair contingencies with you at the time of your final walk-through to be sure the repairs have been completed to your satisfaction. Ask your real estate agent to accompany you on the final inspection of the property, because they can also point out if anything has been removed or changed.

The following items are what you should look for during your final walk-through.

• Exterior - Take your time to walk around the house and make sure that there is no damage from strong winds, trees, or rain since you viewed the property last. Also, check to make sure the seller of the property has not removed any bushes, trees, or plants.

• Appliances - Look at your purchase agreement and verify that the appliances which are supposed to stay in the property are still there. Turn on the appliances and make sure they are functioning properly.

• Light Fixtures - Turn on all the light fixtures and make sure that they are working properly.

• Heating and Air-Conditioning - Turn on both the heating and air-conditioning and verify they are working properly.

• Plumbing - Turn on all the faucets, shower, and bath to make sure that there are no leaks. Flush the toilets and then take the time to look at the ceiling's, walls, and floors for any water damage.

• Doors - Open and close all doors.

• Windows - Open and close all the windows and make sure that they are functioning properly and that the screens are not ripped.

• Garbage Disposal and Fans - Turn on and off the garbage disposal and fans to make sure that they are working adequately.

• Trash - Look throughout the whole house, which includes: the basement, garage, and any storage sheds to make sure that there is not any unexpected trash left behind. These may include paint cans, hazardous material, or broken lawn equipment.

Just remember that the final walk-through is not a home inspection. This review of the property allows you to make sure that nothing has been removed from the house that is supposed to remain, no damage has been made to the house since you made your offer, and that any contractual repairs have been completed satisfactory. A thorough final walk-through should take at least one hour, but it is time well spent. It is much easier to resolve any issues with the seller prior to taking ownership of the property.

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