Should I Perform a Final Walk-Through After My Inspection?
Yes! Never skip the final walk-through when purchasing a home. This is your last chance to see the property before you close. You are not legally required to schedule a home inspection or final walk-through. However, it is smart to do both to protect your interests.
What is a Final Walk-Through?
The sales contract usually stipulates you have the right to a final walk-through within 24 hours before closing. If the seller refuses to allow a final walk-through, it’s a big warning sign and a violation of the agreement.
The final walk-through is your last opportunity to check the condition of the home. Check to see that the home is in the same or better condition than when you agreed to purchase the home. During the final walk-through, the previous homeowner should have already removed all their belongings. In addition, the seller should have completed all agreed-to repairs.
When entering a sales contract, ask your real estate agent to include professional cleaning as part of the deal. Then, also check to ensure the home was left clean. In almost all cases, you want the home move-in ready.
Benefits of a Final Walk-Through
Even for new construction, you want to know you are getting what you agreed to before you close. It’s much easier to address problems before you sign on the dotted line.
Ensure the home is in the same or better condition – Look for any new signs of damage, like holes in the walls, dirty or ripped carpet, new stains, or missing items, like light fixtures or outlet covers.
Verify the completion of any agreed-to repairs – Did they agree to fix a leaky faucet or running toilet? Turn the faucet on and flush the toilet to check. If the repairs require professional expertise to ensure they were completed, schedule a second inspection.
See that all items were removed from the home – Look inside closets, the garage, and outbuildings. Ask the seller to remove any items that you did not agree to keep. Also, check to see that no trash remains in trashcans or on the property.
Check for hidden damage – Now that the home is empty, look for hidden damage. Was there a missing piece of drywall behind a large entertainment system? Work with your real estate agent to address any surprise issues.
Identify emergency damage – Accidents happen, and the final walk-through allows you to see if they did. For example, did a tree fall on the roof or the basement flood? Now is your last time to check. This is especially important as homeowner’s insurance shifts from the seller to you.
When to Consider a Second Home Inspection
Usually, we only inspect a home once during the buying process. Yet, there are times when we identify extensive or complex issues in a home. If you’ve requested a large volume of repairs or specialized repairs, schedule a second home inspection. You want to feel confident about your purchase.
Whether you need a first or second home inspection, we are here to help. Simply contact us or visit us online to schedule your home inspection.