Attend the final walk through
Once we’ve received the Clear to Close, we’ll schedule the final walk through. This usually takes place late in the day before or the morning of closing and is when you to walk through the property to make sure it’s in the same condition as it was during the inspections. The walk through takes about 20-30 minutes and will be done after the seller has moved out. Please let us know what day and time would be best for your final walk through.
If the walk through takes place the night before closing, I will run by the house on the way to closing just to make sure there hasn’t been any damage from water leaks, fire, vandalism, etc.
Download this handy Buyer Final Walk-Through Checklist to take with you.
Here’s what we’ll be looking for at the final walk through:
- Verify that all repairs, if applicable, have been made. Be sure to obtain copies of paid receipts and any related warranties in advance of the walk through.
- Make sure all of the appliances are still working.
- Check to make sure the sellers didn’t damage anything moving out.
- Look to make sure all items included in the purchase contract (lighting fixtures, window treatments, other fixtures, etc.) are still there. This includes anything attached to the wall previously such as shelves, TV mounts, etc., unless noted as excluded on the contract.
- Screens and storm windows are in place or stored somewhere.
- Test the intercom, doorbell, alarm, HVAC and hot water to make sure they all work.
- Property should be in “broom clean” condition, meaning it doesn’t have to be perfectly clean, but you have to be able to clear out any debris with a broom.
- Get the garage door opener (if applicable) and any other remotes.
- Verify we have a list or inventory all of connected devices and documentation including manuals, vendor/manufacturer contacts and websites,
- Locate any instruction books and warranties for appliances and fixtures.
- Make sure all seller’s personal items and all debris have been removed including clothing, food in the refrigerator, etc.
Here is what the final walk through IS NOT:
- It’s not a time to have parents, friends, etc. come look at the property or for contractors give you estimates, etc. All of that is better accomplished earlier or the next day once you officially own the property.
- It’s not possible to begin moving boxes or other items in to the property at the walk through. That must wait until you officially close on the property.
- It’s not when we receive the keys. That will happen at the end of closing.
At the end of the walk through, we need to inquire how you will get the keys and any remotes/fobs, etc. Usually these items are given to the escrow officer performing the seller’s closing and then given to you at the end of closing.
What happens if you find damage at the walk through or the seller didn’t complete one of the repairs s/he was supposed to do?
You have three options if you discover damage at the walk through or the seller didn’t repair something s/he was contractually obligated to repair:
- You can delay closing while the seller repairs whatever items are damaged.
- You can ask the sellers to deposit money into escrow to cover the cost of the repairs so closing can proceed as scheduled.
- You can ask the sellers to provide a credit to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time and have the funds to pay for the needed repairs after closing.
If the sellers are not willing to do any of the above, you can cancel the contract and walk away from purchasing the property. That rarely happens though and is the last option if we’ve exhausted all other options.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the final walk through. We’re almost there!