One Last Look

The Final Walk Through - What's it all about?

As your buyer's agent, I always try to arrange for the final walk through to be one hour before the real estate closing, if at all possible.

If you are buying a house that is owned by a relocation company, then we usually need to schedule a final walk through for three business days before closing. This is typically stated in the relocation company's addendum. This gives the relocation company ample time to work out any issues that might arise from the final walk through. But even then, we should do another walk through right before the closing.

We want to check out the condition of the house right before you buy it. As the buyers, you'll need to meet me at the house you are buying. We want to make sure that the sellers have completely moved out and that the house is in "broom clean" condition.

We will be checking to make sure that any appliances, light fixtures, curtains etc. that are supposed to stay with the house (per the written contract) are still in the house.

We want to look to see if there was any accidental damage done to the house when the sellers moved out. A gouged hardwood floor, a broken storm door etc.

We want to see, if possible, if any requested repair work was done to the home. At the closing, the seller's attorney should have any necessary receipts and warranties for repair work done, to give to you.

We want to look to see if any large furniture items or large amounts of garbage were left at the curb. If so, we want to ask (at the closing) if the sellers have made arrangements for this garbage and/or furniture to be picked up and has it been paid for in advance.

We want to turn on the appliances to make sure they are still working. We want to run the water and make sure the pipes are not leaking underneath the cabinets. If the weather permits, we want to turn on the central air and the furnace.

This is our chance for one last look at the house before it's really yours. We want to make sure that everything that is supposed to be there, still is. And that everything is still in working order.

Many sellers take pride in their home, even when it's about to be their former home. Most homes have been completely vacated, cleaned and everything is in order.

But if there are any unforeseen issues or surprises, this is the time to work it out. Most unexpected problems are resolved at the closing table.

With all that said, the final walk through and the day of closing is a time to be excited! Working with you to buy a home, and seeing your happiness with your new home, is one of the best parts of my job.

Jim Starwalt

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Jim Starwalt, Broker Associate RE/MAX Center, Phone: 847-548-2625 Jim@StarHomeFinders.com