Final walkthrough before closing: What to know

Hello everyone, The Waldren Team here with some more insight to help you understand the complex but compelling field of Real Estate. The homebuying process is exciting, but there are also many steps along the journey. In addition to hiring a Realtor, there are other ways to make the process more manageable, including a final walkthrough checklist. Here are a few ways doing a final walkthrough before closing can help give you a little extra peace of mind. 

Walkthrough vs. home inspection

First of all, in almost all cases, this is a matter of "and," not "or;" in other words, when buying a home, we strongly recommend both a home inspection and a final walkthrough. 

Home inspections allow potential homebuyers to hire a professional inspector to inspect the prospectively purchased home and provide a fair and impartial assessment of repairs that need to be made to the home.

The final walkthrough, meanwhile, lets the buyer’s agent and buyer confirm that all reported repairs are complete. Documentation containing the inspection report, repair receipts, and seller disclosure form is provided by the agents.

Should your house be empty for the final walkthrough?

This segment is for those who are the ones selling the home: for the buyer and their real estate agent to properly evaluate the condition of the home, the property should be empty. All personal belongings from the seller should be removed. Of course, if furniture or other items were included on the inventory list or purchase agreement, those items should remain. 

Can a seller refuse a buyer their final walkthrough?

The right to inspect the property is normally in the purchasing agreement, which generally gives the buyer the right to a final walkthrough. If the agreement offers a walkthrough and the seller refuses, legal action could be pursued. This is extraordinarily rare though; most sellers cooperate without issue. 

Making sure you take the time to get your inspection for the property, appliances and systems, such as heating and air conditioning, is a great way to guarantee you’re purchasing the right home. 

And while it may take a few days longer to get your final walk of the property and inspections completed, you’ll be glad you did when you’re enjoying your new home.