The Walk-Through; What Should I Be Looking For?

You are within days of closing on the perfect home and it is time for a walk-through. This is not a stroll through the new home, admiring all of the features that are soon to be yours. A walk-through actually requires close attention to detail from the buyer. The walk-through does not take the place of the home inspection. You will be making sure the home is in the same condition as when you made your offer. So bring your copy of the contract and get started!

The walk-through can take place approximately a week out from closing or as late as the day before the closing. You should have on hand the sellers’ disclosures, a copy of any repairs made on a repair agreement and the exclusion list if that is part of your contract. It is up to you and not your Realtor© to insure that all systems are working and necessary repairs have been made. The Realtor© will answer questions and assist you as necessary. Your Realtor© will have set up the date and time of the walk-through and will accompany you. The Realtor© will help you with notes of any questions or observations and relay them to the seller’s agent.

What Should I Look For on a Walk-Through?

During the walk-through be alert for items that may have been removed that had previously been negotiated to stay with the house. All removed items should be on the Exclusions list. Check that all repairs have been made that were agreed upon. Now begin your systematic check:

• Check all the major appliances - range, dishwasher, disposal, exhaust fans ceiling fans, the heat and air conditioning. Turn everything on and then off to confirm that they are in working.
• The same for light fixtures turn every light in every room on and off.
• Turn on all water faucets, look under sinks for leaks.
• Flush all of the toilets. Make sure the toilets are not leaking at the seal or ‘running’.
• Make sure all doors and windows open and shut. If there are storm windows, find out where they are stored and make sure they are not damaged.
• Take a look at ceilings, walls and floors for any damage.
• Test garage door openers, sprinkler systems, outdoor water taps and outdoor lighting. Turn all of these items on and off. In the case of sprinklers and water taps make sure they do not leak.
• Walk the exterior of the home checking for visible damage to the exterior.
• Make sure that there are no accumulations of trash, hazardous materials or unwanted items. You will want to look in cabinets, closets, the attic, the garage and any storage buildings on the property.
• Is the landscaping in the same condition as when you made your offer? All landscaping needs to be intact. Any plantings that are removed must be in the exclusions.

Plan on spending an hour on your walk-through. A thorough examination can save you time and money on unexpected clean-up and repairs.

When it is time to buy your home choose a Realtor© with reliable experience in representation and negotiation. Call Jason at 832-541-5060 for an appointment today.