Tips for Having a Successful Final Walk-Through
Most buyers know a professional home inspection in houses for sale is a must-have. Otherwise, it's just impossible for most to identify problems with a home's major systems before you seal the deal at the closing. While no one disputes the importance of this inspection, there's another inspection that needs to take place right before you sit down at the closing table. Read on to find out more.
The Final Walk-Through Inspection
In most cases, you will need to take a last-minute look at your home before you close. This is not about second thoughts—it's more about verification. If the seller agrees to perform certain repairs, a final walk-through will confirm that they were performed as promised. In some cases, the inspection turns up a lot of issues that have to be taken care of. The more extensive the repairs, the more you might need to consider asking the home inspector to do another pass to make sure things were done completely and correctly. It's another bill to pay, but knowing that everything is move-in ready and that your new home is safe is well worth it. What if repairs were not done? The closing may have to be put off or the seller might have to pay you some money to keep the deal going.
Vacant Homes Can Cause Problems
If the home has sat vacant for some time, your final walk-through will assure that everything is in tip-top shape. A lot of problems can manifest when no one is paying enough attention. You can even have squatters and drug users using your home after the seller moves out. Other problems with vacant homes include break-ins and theft of appliances, wiring, and more. The final walk-through ensures that the following can be addressed before you close:
- Damage from vandals such as broken windows or graffiti.
- Damage from rain or leaks, such as a roof leak left unnoticed or a leaking water heater.
- Pests, such as raccoons, can invade an attic and wreak havoc.
Last-Minute Problems
You may also use the final walk-through to inspect damage from the sellers moving out, removing fixtures, damage to the walls, etc. You don't want to face trash left in your new home and sellers are supposed to leave the home "broom clean" at the very least.
When problems turn up at the final walk-through, count on your real estate agent to smooth things out and provide you with solutions that might keep your closing on track.