11 things buyers shouldn’t miss during final walk through

After searching for that desired house, making negotiations and doing the initial inspection, you should still remain careful. The final walk-through is an important step in the last stage of buying a house. It should not be taken lightly, especially by the buyers. The walk-through is the final inspection of the house a few hours to a few days before the final settlement takes place.
It is the last chance for you to make sure that the agreed-upon repairs have been carried out and that there has been no major change in the condition of the property since your last visit. It can be formal or informal. In a formal walk-through arrangement, you have to sign a document to confirm that you have done the final walk through and that the required conditions have been met. We have provided you with a list of 10 things that the buyers should take care before the final walk through.

1. Do preparation to lessen perspiration

You should do adequate preparation for the final walk-through before the closing. Please do the final walk through along with your real estate agent. He can guide you through the whole process and answer to the queries relevant to the site. If the seller is also present, he can throw some light on the history of the house. You should also ensure that you carry the following items with you to the final walk-through:

• The final contract – It helps you to refer to the terms that were set in the contract.
• Notepad – It becomes useful in taking notes during the final walk through.
• List of agreed repairs – Make a list of the repairs that the seller agreed upon after the previous inspection. It becomes important to double check that whether the promises made to you have been completed or not.
• Camera – You can take pictures of the repairs that have not been completed.
• Charger – You can plug in the charger and use it with your cell phone to ensure that the electrical outlets and switches are functional.

2. Exterior inspection

You may have seen the house from outside several times before. But it is important to have a look at the exterior again during the final walk through. It becomes important when there have been very strong winds, rain or other precipitation since your previous visit to the property.

3. Verification of final repairs

Take out the list of agreed repairs and inspect them. At the final walk through, ensure that the repairs have been completed as agreed before. Ask the seller for warranty cards and receipts of the work done for repairs. They come handy when any issue related to them occurs later after the closing.

4. Doors and windows

Check all the window latches and door locks during the final walk through. Ensure that they don’t make a creaking or squeaking noise or get stuck when they are opened. Test the garage door openers too. Also, check for the storm windows and the screens. If they have been stored by the owner, ask to show them to you.

5. Plumbing, bathroom fixtures, and fittings

While inspecting the bathroom, check for mold which can grow if there is no proper ventilation.  The mold may also flourish due to water leakages. Therefore, carefully inspect for it during the final walk through. Ensure that the faucets don’t leak or spray and have a supply of hot water. Make sure that the scales are removed from the bathroom tiles. Check the sinks, tubs and toilet bowls for yellow stains occurring due to hard water. Flush all toilets in the house. Finally, check for any standing water and that the drainage is working properly. Check for any damage to the accessories in the bathroom or if they have been removed after your last visit.

6. Kitchen care

Check all the appliances in the kitchen to ensure that they are in working condition. At the time of final walkthrough, pay attention to check the status of the dishwasher and the refrigerator. Make sure that the refrigerator is cold and the freezer is working. Test the oven and the burners on the stove. Ensure that the dishwasher runs and drains properly. Also, have a good look at the area near them and under the sink.

7. Walls

After the paintings, artworks, LCD TV sets, etc., are taken down by the sellers, the walls appear differently. The walls may be left with nail holes, brackets and there might be some discoloration at the places where objects were previously hung. Check if such problems are present all around the house. Although Spackle management plan would have been probably agreed upon earlier, you should review it during the final walk through. Ensure that the spot painting doesn’t make the walls look worse.

8. Electrical systems

Turn all the light fixtures on and off. Check the circuit breaker. Now the charger you have been asked to bring earlier comes to use. Plug it in the electrical sockets and ensure that the outlets are working during the final walk through.

9. HVAC and In-House systems

Check the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Turn on and operate the systems at different levels and flow. Check that the furnace and the AC unit are in working condition. Also ensure that the In-house systems for security, doorbell, video surveillance, etc., are working properly. Turn on the garbage disposal to check its functioning.

10. Included Personal Property and appliances

You may have put some personal property and appliances on the list of the contract. Ensure that they are present in the house during the final walk through. Also, make sure that the appliances included in the contract are in functioning condition.

11. Landscaping

Landscaping is an important aspect that adds to the appeal of the house. Sellers may dig up the plants in the garden while they are moving out. If an irrigation system is present, turn it on to check that it is functioning.
These are the things one shouldn’t miss while going for a final walk through. It helps you to ensure that the house is in a condition that you desired and you don’t end up spending more money on repairs after buying it.