Final walkthroughs are not the same as home inspections – this is not the time for negotiations with the seller to do repairs or add contingencies. The purpose of a final walkthrough is to make sure the property you are purchasing is in the condition in which you agreed to buy it. It is a time to make sure any agreed-on repairs were made and no issues have arisen with the home since you last looked at it. Because buyers are often on a time crunch as the closing date approaches, many are tempted to pass on the final walkthrough – but it is highly recommended you do not skip it as once your sale is complete, there is not much you can do.
Vacant home concerns are one of the biggest reasons to do a final walkthrough. Since sellers often move out of their homes quite some time before closing, it is even more imperative you conduct a final walkthrough if the seller has already vacated the home. Issues tend to pop up when homes sit vacant for any period of time. For example, a dripping faucet can turn into a flooded bathroom. Even disconnecting refrigerators connected to the house water line or moving out washing machines can cause floods, and old plumbing which has not been used for a while can spring leaks.
Why a Final Walkthrough Matters
Say you are purchasing a home and the seller left shortly after putting the home on the market. Your home inspection went smoothly and the inspector did not note any items requiring immediate attention. Your agent will likely advise you to turn on all the lights, run the water, and make sure the stove works when you conduct the final walkthrough, but there are some things you may not think of during the excitement of the last walkthrough before you officially own this home! Thankfully though, your agent attended the walkthrough with you. He decided to check off a few more items, like flushing the toilets. When he does so, a geyser of water almost simultaneously gushes from the ground in the backyard. That flushing action revealed the sewer line had roots growing through it and you receive an estimate of $5,000 the next day to fix the issue. If this had not occurred prior to the finalizing of your sale, you could be responsible for those repairs. If you do not do a walkthrough, you will have to absorb the cost of any repairs if you do not get the seller to reduce the home’s price as compensation.
What to Check During Your Final Walkthrough
Your final walkthrough is to check for any unresolved issues with the home. To ensure that is the case, follow these steps:
Turn on and off every light fixture.
Run water and check for leaks under sinks.
Test all appliances.
Check garage door openers.
Open and close all doors.
Flush toilets.
Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors.
Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans.
Test the heating and air conditioning.
Open and close windows.
Make sure all debris is removed from the home.
If you would like to consult with Mary or Scott Tynell, feel free to contact us at 508-563-0112.
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