The Walk Through Inspection
The Walk Through Inspection
The Walk Through Inspection
There's one very important thing remaining, the walk through inspection. The following real estate tips are specifically for the buyers to better understand both the importance and timing of a walk through, know what to expect from your final walk through closing. This is your chance to confirm that everything has been left ship shape and broom swept by the seller, and the home is ready to move into. Russ gives you some pointers as to what and how to confirm everything is OK. This is a good guideline of what to do at a walk through but each home is different. Be sure to review your inspection report which should list items to inspect on the walk through. Some buyers bring back their inspectors on the 1st walk through to make sure things were repaired correctly. Make sure you bring your flashlight and take pictures/videos, of any problems. Be sure to read about the final walk through
from this link. You can use it as is, if it suits you, or you can use it as a guide for making your own.
I recommend that the buyers make 3 walk-throughs
1st. Walk-through, 2 weeks before closing to check on inspection issues and the repairs that were made. Get a copy of receipts and repairs that were made by a licensed contractor. Depending on the amount and type of repairs, it's best to have the listing agent or seller provide you with the receipts as the work is done. Just do a quick walk-through, look for any damage, or changes, take some notes and photos etc. Now is the time to call the gas co., electric co., cable co., garbage co., insurance co., water co., phone co., the post office, all of your store credit card co’s, driver license, registration, don't forget about amazon delivery, about your move.
2nd. Walk-through, 1 week before the closing. Just a general walk around, checking for damage upkeep of the house, landscaping, and sellers switching things, (and yes they switch plants, lights, appliances, etc.). Make sure anything that you purchased from sellers, grills, patio furniture, snowblower, etc. are there and in good condition. This also allows the sellers, and you some time to work out any problems.
3rd. Walk-through, Do the final walk through 2/3 hours before the closing, day of closing. This is the final walk through making sure no damage by vandals, water leaks etc, check for owner manuals, garage door openers, etc., The seller leaves the garage or shed full of junk and expects the buyer to take care of it, any problems take photos/videos call your attorney before you leave the house. Be sure to read about the final walk-through from this link. You can use it as is, if it suits you, or you can use it as a guide for making your own.
Tips:
There are 6 things every buyer should confirm during the final walk-through inspection.
1. All agreed-to repairs have been completed.
2. The property is not damaged.
3. Check to see if anything was switched out
4. Make sure anything that you purchased from sellers, grills, patio furniture, snowblower, etc.
are there and in acceptable condition.
5. The seller leaves the garage or shed full of junk and expects the buyer to take care of it
6. Confirm that everything has been left ship shape and broom swept by the seller, and the
home is ready to move into.
What Could Go Wrong By Skipping The Walk Through Inspection?
This is why you do the final walk through on the day of the closing you must do the walk-through not a friend or family member, never do a walk through a day or days before the closing or skip it. Some reasons are below.
1- The outside air conditioning unit is stolen, happens more than you think
2- Someone breaks in and vandalizes the house.
3- The seller leaves the garage or shed full of junk and expects the buyer to take care of it
4- A rug that covered a wood floor may show a large water stain when it is removed.
Remember, the home inspector does not move furnishings, so a water stained wood floor
underneath a rug or carpet is not likely to be reported.
5- The seller decides to remove the window treatments, even though the contract states
explicitly that they are to stay.
6- ***The seller switches lights, refrigerator, microwaves, stove, plants etc.***
Any problems take photos/videos call your attorney before you leave the house. This is your last chance to fix any problems before the closing, cause after the closing its to late.
Be sure to read about the final walk through checklist from this link
, You can use it as is, if it suits you, or you can use it as a guide for making your own.