Understanding the Final Walkthrough & Tips for Homebuyers
When it comes down to buying a home in the market today, there can be tons of pressure. That is particularly true in more expensive areas where the housing inventory is low and can lead buyers to desperate measures, such as waiving the home inspection. There is an essential step that all buyers should complete before the closing process: the final walkthrough. No matter what process you are in during the process of buying a home, you shouldn’t skip the walkthrough, as you are near the finish line when the keys are yours.
In this article, we will discuss the process of the final walkthrough and great tips for homebuyers when they are at this stage in their homebuying experience.
Who Will Attend a Final Walkthrough?
Usually, the final walkthrough will be attended by the buyer and the buyer’s real estate agent without either the seller or the seller’s agent present. This will allow the buyer the freedom to perform a full inspection of the property at their leisure without feeling any pressure from the seller. If the property is a brand new build, the builder or the contractor might attend. They are different than walking through a pre-owned home as a new-build walkthrough will be looking for defects and cosmetic issues.
What is the Difference Between a Walkthrough Vs. Home Inspection?
When you are gearing up for the final walkthrough, it is important to remember this is not a home inspection. Instead, this is an opportunity to ensure that issues turned up during the inspection are addressed. Your real estate agent should bring along documentation to confirm all is as it should be. This process will include the seller’s disclosure form that you received after signing the purchase agreement, as well as the inspection report and repair amendments both you and the seller have agreed upon.
Schedule the Final Walkthrough Before Closing
In many cases, the final walkthrough is scheduled 24 hours before the closing date. Your real estate agent can help you set up a good time with the seller’s agent when you can be sure that the property will be accessible and vacant.
What to Look For During a Final Walkthrough
During the final walkthrough, there are many things that you should keep in mind, we recommend checking out to ensure that your bases are covered.
- Make sure that all the seller’s belongings are moved out, especially in closets and storage spaces.
- The repairs the seller has promised need to be completed.
- Different real estate fixtures like appliances included in the agreement need to be in working condition.
- The seller needs to leave behind copies of manuals and instructions for major systems and appliances.
- Window and door locks need to be fully functional.
- Ensure the HVAC systems are working.
- Ensure toilets and faucets are all in working order and that there are no plumbing-related leaks.
- Test light switches, ceiling fans, and exhaust fans, as well as electrical outlets.
- Ceilings, doorways, and walls should all be structurally intact with no damage from the seller’s move.
- The yard needs to be free of damage or debris.
- The garage door openers and keys need to be left behind in the home by the seller.
- Walk around the home to check for cosmetic damage or issues that were not previously there.
Bottom Line
When you enter the timeframe between the final walkthrough and the closing process, make sure to keep in touch with your real estate professional. If you have found issues during the final walkthrough, your agent will be in communication with the seller’s agent to address those problems. At the closing, you will get the new keys to your home. Trust the professionals at Property Sourced to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many beautiful suburban neighborhoods that make up Manteca, CA, today.