Final Walk Through – 10 things sellers should know

The home deal has reached into the final stage. You have accepted the offer and the closing date has come nearer. The buyer is about to do the final walk through. As a seller, you should remain careful about some things that can kill a real estate deal. The sellers should ensure that they don’t take the process of final walk through lightly and make proper arrangements for it.  Below we have discussed the things sellers should remain careful about during the final walk through and make adequate preparations for them.

1. Completion of negotiated repairs

The completion of negotiated repairs assumes a big importance during the final walk through. You should complete the repairs as negotiated during the previous inspections. Make a list of the required repairs and check that they have been completed. The list helps you to remember the negotiated repairs and you don’t forget them while taking care of the building before the process of final walk through. Try to get the things completed ahead of time, say a week before, so that you can make amends if something goes wrong. Have the contract with you during the final walk through.

2. Receipts of repairs

Make a separate folder to keep the receipts of the repair work done before the final walk through. Save all receipts of the materials purchased and invoices received from the contractors. Take before and after photos of the repair work. This would serve as a proof that you completed the negotiated repairs. Provide the buyers with the receipts, invoices, warranties, etc., during the final walk-through so that they get ensured about the repairs.

3. Personal Property

A common issue related to the final walk-through is the absence of the personal property included in the contract. Read the contract carefully to know that which items are included in it as a personal property. The buyers may have included refrigerator, aquarium, washer and dryer or other such items in the personal property agreement. Consult with your real estate agent before removing any personal property from the house.

4. Included appliances

As a seller, it is your task to ensure that all the appliances in the house included in the sale are functioning properly during the final walk through. Check the running condition of the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and other such appliances. A minor fault in one of those appliances during the final walk-through can sometimes derail the entire deal.

5. HVAC and In-house systems

Make sure that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are working properly. Prior to the final walk through, run these systems at different levels and flow speeds to ensure their functioning. Do the same for included In-house systems.

6. Electrical connections

Make sure that the electrical supply in the house is proper prior to the final walk through. Ensure that all the holders have bulbs or LEDs in them so that they can be checked. Test all the lighting fixtures. If any socket is not working get it replaced.

7. Flooring

After the removal of all the furniture and rugs, you may be left with discolored floors, cracked tiles, and carpet stains. You should disclose these areas to the agent and the buyer during the initial inspection phase. Repairs may be made accordingly so that no discrepancies arise during final walk through.

8. Walls

Damaged walls are one of the common issues during the final walk through. You think that there is no problem with the wall while you are living in the house. But once you leave, you take the TV sets, family portraits, artworks, etc., with you. These hung on the wall previously. After they are removed, the wall is left with discolored patches, nail holes, and brackets. You should see that all such things get patched and painted so that they match the wall surface.

9. Kitchen and bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom may have got dirty if you have been using them prior to the final walk through. Ensure that these places remain clean when the buyer comes for making the final walk through.

10. Moving and leftovers

Don’t rush while moving out. Carefully move out so that no damage occurs on its account. After the moving company takes out all the belongings, inspect for any serious damages occurring due to it. Make a complaint to the company if it is responsible for the damage. The company will probably pay for the cost of the repairs. Before the final walk-through is done, ensure that no leftovers remain and the house is clean of unwanted items. If you want to leave some items at the house, check with the buyer before the final walk through.

Resolution of final walk through issues:

If the buyer is not happy with the final walk-through conditions, he may –

• Delay the closing – until the issues get resolved, he may allow you some time to complete the work.

• Ask a concession from you – so that he can get the work done from the amount you concede to him after the final walk through.

• Keep a part of the proceeds in an escrow account – under it, a particular amount of money is held by the buyer in an escrow amount. It is usually more than the sum required to do the task. You get the amount only when you complete the negotiated works or repairs in the house after the final walk through.

• Walk away – the buyer may walk away from the property if he finds major flaws during the final walk through. Don’t let the conditions reach this stage.

As a seller, it is your job to satisfy the buyer during the final walk-through by fulfilling the negotiated conditions. Be polite to the buyer and provide him with the required details about the house. Remember, a good final walk through paves the way to smooth closing.