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Don’t miss an important step: a final walk-through!

Finding the house of your dreams doesn’t come easy for every buyer. Searching, negotiating, and qualifying for a loan can take a toll, no matter how smooth the process. Once the contracts are signed, inspections completed,  and the appraisal comes in, most buyers are tempted to kick back and wait with excitement for the closing day for move in.

However, it’s important for home buyers to complete the final walk-through of their new purchase! It is a buyer’s final opportunity to make sure that repairs were completed, everything is in working condition and to verify the property is in the same condition as when you went into contract.

During your walk-through, tips on what to look for:

Confirm Repairs have been completed – If repairs were part of your negotiation, consider having your inspector or a professional come to inspect and confirm repairs were done correctly.  Seller should document how repairs were completed and provide all receipts if vendors were hired.  Make sure to talk to your Realtor about how to negotiate repairs.  As an option, when negotiating repairs, perhaps you request a credit to address the repairs post sale?  In this scenario, you hire the vendors you choose after closing.  You would then assume the responsibility of cost, even if the repairs actually costs more than expected.  Food for thought.

Remotes and Keypads – If your new home has a security system, check that the keypad works. If some rooms have fans operated by remote control, check that the controls are present.  Did seller’s leave garage door openers?

Systems – Did sellers leave all manuals?  If not, is it possible to have seller walk through home systems?  

Repairs are not a contingency – The sellers may have agreed to make certain repairs or upgrades before closing. During this last walk-through, you are looking to see if these home repairs or improvements are finished. If something isn’t fixed to your satisfaction, address it immediately with your Realtor so they can work to get it resolved as soon as possible.  Repairs are not a contingency to stop the closing, but the sellers have contractually agreed to making repairs and have the responsibility and obligation to complete.

When it’s time for your walk-through, always check these essentials.  Then, you can focus on prepping and planning home decor! Keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket by home shopping with a negotiations expert. For all of your home buying needs, contact Jenn Blake Real Estate Group at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty in San Diego, California at 858-663-6788.