You need to know the best final walk-through tips to avoid surprises in the days after moving into your new property. Buying a home is a long journey and one with mixed emotions. You're happy, anxious, excited, nervous, all while trying to maintain a normal work/life balance. Home buying begins many months in advance of house hunting, combing through credit reports, saving a down payment, earnest money, inspection funds, closing costs, and planning all the moving logistics. Right before the finish line or closing day, you'll have the opportunity for a final walk-through.
Final Walk-Through Home Buyer Tips
Typically, the final walk-through will be scheduled to take place 24 hours before settlement. You'll likely be accompanied by your buyer's agent and perhaps the seller's agent. This serves last a last opportunity to tour the property before closing. It's also a very important time because it's the last time you'll be able to raise any concerns before closing. The good news is, no major issues are usually discovered in final a walk-through.
The final walk-through in real estate was designed so that the buyer could literally “walk through” one last time before the closing. From time to time, a buyer and seller will have negotiated any number of fixes during escrow. The walk-through gives the buyer an opportunity to make sure all the agreed-upon work has been done to specifications and that everything is in working order. --Fox Business
However, this isn't to say there are never problems found during the final walk-through. This is precisely why a final walk-through is so valuable. Otherwise, you would close on the home, only to find later that day or a few days after, there are unresolved problems. Depending on the circumstances, it may present more difficulty in resolving said problems. Because of this, let's look at some helpful final walk-through home buyer tips:
- Bring all pertinent documents. You'll need the seller's disclosure form, the home inspection report, and the purchase contract. Use each one for quick references as you walk-through the property with your buyer's agent. These documents are ideal to remind you of all the odds-and-ends so you don't forget this or that.
- Check the house for conveyed items. If you're wondering, "conveyed" items are simply items the seller agrees to leave in the house. It's a transfer of ownership of things such as major appliances and systems. For instance, if the seller agreed to leave all the major kitchen appliances, these should be present. If not, have your agent immediately contact the seller.
- Note any unwanted items the seller left. Conversely, there are items which are sometimes listed in the agreement for the seller to take with him or her. While it's no big deal to find some cleaning supplies in a bucket with a broom, you might object to having to deal with a treadmill.
- Take the time to test all the major appliances. Although the home inspector probably tested all the major appliances, it certainly doesn't hurt to do so again the day before closing. In addition, bring a nightlight with you to test all the outlets and be sure to test the plumbing, as well.
- Check all windows, doors, and walk the exterior. Just like the major appliances, you should test all the windows, doors, and walk around the exterior. You're looking for any defects and/or unwanted items left behind outside by the seller.
If you are in the market to purchase a home nearby North Stetson Hills Loop, North Deem Hills Parkway, West Buckskin Trail, or in the Stetson Hills community or anywhere in Phoenix, give us a call to help you with your search. We’ll provide you with local market conditions and factors to assist you in finding the best home for your lifestyle and needs.