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Consumer Guides

The Final Walk Through

At some point (shortly before the date of final closing) it will be necessary for you to make a final inspection of the house that you are purchasing--a final walk through. In all probability, you will be accompanied by your Agent, who will help you examine the house. This is to verify that all items for which you have contracted to buy are there, and items that you have not contracted to buy have been removed.

For example, you do not want to arrive at your new house after closing to find that the beautiful chandelier in the dining room has somehow been replaced by a cheap overhead fixture, or that the draperies and window treatments that were specifically referenced in the contract have been packed and moved away. Additionally, you do not want to move in to find that numerous items have been left by the sellers because they did not want to move them or take them to the dump.

When you do your walk through, pay particular attention to attics, crawl spaces or basements, and garages. If the sellers have not moved yet, you still may get a clear picture that there are certain items (since they may not be boxed or appear to be ready to move) that they have no intention of taking with them. Bring this to the attention of your Agent to avoid the hassles that can surface on moving day.

Take your time when you are doing your walk through inspection. Try to be as calm as possible. Many a buyer has been so busy dreaming of themselves in the new home that they have neglected to take a good look and missed an important item that was contracted to convey upon Closing. Have a copy of your Sales Contract with you so that you can review any items that should be included with the house.

Here are a few points to review:

* Check the house from bottom to top: basement to attic.

* Pay particular attention to expensive items and those that are of importance to you.

* Watch for areas where furniture or rugs may have been when you originally looked at the house. Many times defects in carpeting or floors that were covered are now visible.

* If an item is missing, or if there is trash or discarded items left behind, deal with it now. Assume that if it is gone, the sellers intend for it to be gone, or if it is still there, they do not intend to remove it.

* Leave your emotions outside the door. You will have plenty of time to swoon over your new home--now is the time to make sure the house is as you expected it to be.

This is the time to deal with any potential problems. If you see an item that needs to be addressed, let your Agent know so that they can get it handled before closing.

This article courtesy of The Home Buyer’s Information Center, a complete guide to buying a home. 2002