Everyone is excited when they buy a home and it is time to do the final walkthrough. By now you have already had a home inspection done and all the appliances are in working order, no leaks in tubs or showers etc. If there were any issues this should have been addressed in an amendment to your offer.
A final walkthrough is not a second inspection. Everything should have been addressed when you had your home inspection done. However, here are some tips on what you can do to have a successful final walkthrough.
- Check the home is vacant and free of debris.
- Are the appliances the same as the ones you purchased and not swapped out for a lesser quality or brand?
- If you had an amendment for action items to be done, are they completed?
- Is the home in the same condition as when you bought it? (no moving out parties that damaged the home)
- Check for any inclusions in your offer. For example, if the dining room fixture or drapes are included but are not visible, have your agent address this issue.
Although it is human nature to want to treat a walkthrough as an inspection, a final walkthrough is not designed for this. Utilize this valuable time to measure for window treatments or placement of furniture. It is also the time to have your contractor come in to inspect renovation work to be done.
If there have been any repairs done by the owners, you may wish to ask for receipts or warranties in case you have any issues down the road that you will need to address.
Do your final walk through a few days before the closing date. This is not a time to re-think your purchase.
Lastly, don’t forego your final walkthrough. This, after all, is your new home and you want to make sure it is the same one you saw on the date of purchase.
Our Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate Team understands how important your final walkthrough is before you get the keys to your new home. Contact us for any of your real estate needs and ask about our free home staging when you list with us.