What to Look for During a Final Walk Through?

The final walk-through allows buyers to confirm the property’s condition before closing. This inspection helps prevent unforeseen issues and financial liabilities. Its purpose is to ensure the home remains in the agreed-upon state and that any negotiated repairs have been completed. Reviewing the property protects their investment and reduces unexpected future expenditures.

Preparing for the Walk-Through

The final walk-through is scheduled 24 to 48 hours before the official closing date. This timing allows for addressing any newly discovered issues or confirming completed repairs without delaying the closing process. It also ensures the property’s condition has not significantly deteriorated or changed since the last inspection.

Buyers should bring several essential documents and tools. The original purchase agreement details the contractual obligations of both parties, including what is conveyed with the property. Any addendums, particularly repair addendums, are also needed to verify that all agreed-upon fixes or concessions have been met.

A checklist, whether self-created or provided, guides the inspection process. Bringing a camera or smartphone allows for photographic or video documentation of any concerns. A pen and paper are useful for notes, while a flashlight can illuminate dark spaces. A phone charger ensures communication capabilities remain throughout the inspection.

This walk-through is not a substitute for a professional home inspection. Its objective is to verify the property is in the condition specified in the contract and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed. This final check helps prevent unexpected financial burdens after assuming ownership.

Inspecting the Interior

Interior inspection begins in the kitchen. All included appliances, such as the stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator, should be tested for functionality. Faucets should be checked for water flow and drainage, and the garbage disposal activated. Cabinets and countertops require examination for new damage or cleanliness.

In bathrooms, test plumbing fixtures: toilets should flush, sinks should drain, and showers must deliver hot water. Check for any signs of leaks around fixtures or under sinks. Ventilation fans should be operational, and the presence of mold or mildew, particularly in damp areas, warrants attention.

Throughout bedrooms and living areas, walls, ceilings, and floors should be inspected for any new damage or cleanliness issues. Confirm that any items specifically agreed to remain with the property have not been removed. All light fixtures, ceiling fans, and electrical outlets should be tested to confirm they are functioning correctly.

Ensuring all windows and doors open, close, and lock smoothly is important. Buyers should also look for any evidence of pest activity, such as droppings or structural damage. The proper functioning of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is also important; both heating and cooling units should be run.

Areas like the water heater and any exposed plumbing lines should be inspected for leaks or corrosion. In basements, attics, or crawl spaces, look for signs of water intrusion, dampness, mold, or structural issues. If applicable, the sump pump should be tested.

Inspecting the Exterior and Grounds

Inspect the roof from the ground level. Look for new damage, such as missing shingles, displaced tiles, or debris accumulation. A compromised roof can lead to water damage inside the home, incurring remediation costs ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

The foundation and exterior walls should be examined for any new cracks, shifting, or damage to the siding and other exterior materials. Such issues can signal structural instability or water penetration points, requiring professional intervention to prevent further deterioration. Peeling paint or damaged siding can indicate underlying moisture problems or a lack of proper maintenance.

All exterior windows and doors should be checked to ensure they are sealed and that their locking mechanisms function. Observing the grading around the foundation is important to confirm that the ground slopes away from the house, directing rainwater runoff. Poor grading can lead to water pooling against the foundation, increasing the risk of basement leaks, foundation damage, and subsequent repairs.

Gutters and downspouts should be checked for proper attachment and clear flow paths. The yard and landscaping should also be inspected to ensure they are free of debris and that any agreed-upon landscaping features or fixtures remain in place as per the purchase agreement. This prevents unexpected costs for cleanup or replacement.

Any detached garages or outbuildings should be inspected for their condition, ensuring doors operate and that any included items are present. These structures represent an additional asset, and their condition can impact the overall value and usability of the property. Identifying issues here before closing can protect the buyer from repair expenses related to these secondary structures.

Addressing Issues Discovered

Upon discovering any issues during the final walk-through, documentation is important. This involves taking photos and videos of the problem areas, along with written notes describing the nature and location of each concern. This record serves as evidence, facilitating discussions and negotiations with the seller.

All findings should be communicated to your real estate agent. The agent acts as an intermediary, facilitating communication with the seller’s agent to initiate a resolution process. The purpose of this stage is to address new damage, items that were supposed to convey but have been removed, or repairs that were agreed upon but remain incomplete.

Several common resolution methods exist for addressing discovered issues. The seller may agree to complete the repairs before closing, bearing the cost of the work. Alternatively, a financial credit might be issued to the buyer at closing, reducing the amount of cash required to complete the transaction. This credit often covers the estimated cost of repairs.

For more significant issues, or when repairs cannot be completed before closing, an escrow holdback may be negotiated. In this scenario, a portion of the seller’s proceeds is held in an escrow account until the repairs are completed and verified by the buyer. This ensures funds are available for the work and provides financial protection for the buyer. All agreed-upon resolutions must be documented in writing as a formal addendum to the purchase agreement.