The Final Walkthrough Before Closing

Unlike a home inspection the final walkthrough is included in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale so that you can verify that the property you purchased is in the condition you expected it to be.

This is an opportunity to check to make sure that no new damage has occurred since you last viewed the property or that any agreed upon repairs have been completed. It is also the time to check to make sure that any agreed upon “included items” are left with the property and that the property was left in a clean and tidy condition. The final inspection should be done as close to the closing date as possible and preferably after the sellers have moved out, but should also give them a day or two to fix any possible problems.

Basically you should have a check list roughly divided into three categories, Chattels (included items), Things to Test and Cleanliness.

Chattels:

___  Appliances per Agreement of Purchase and Sale

 ___  Light fixtures and other permanent fixtures unless agreed upon in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale

___  Window treatments per Agreement of Purchase and Sale

___  City issued garbage or recycling receptacles

___  Remotes or codes for fixtures like ceiling fans, A/C units, garage door openers, alarm systems

 Testing:                                                                

___  Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

___  Exterior and interior light switches

___  Turn on appliances and check they are in working order

___  Test kitchen and bath exhaust fans

___  Run garbage disposal

___  Run ceiling fans

___  Test heating and air conditioning (weather permitting)

___  Run water from faucets, hot and cold, check for leaks

___  Flush toilets

___  Inspect ceilings, walls, floors, basement and attic for fresh damage

___  Open and close garage doors

___  If  possible check spas and pools to see if they are functioning.

___  Especially inspect any repairs that were listed as being required on the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

Cleanliness:

___  All  garbage and clutter should be removed

___  If home is new or renovations have been done, all construction materials should be removed

___  All furniture and personal items not part of the sale should be gone

___  Check and ensure all unwanted items and clutter are gone from basements, attics, garages and storage sheds

___  If garbage and debris are left at the curb, ensure that they are properly bagged and prepared for pickup and if you have to pay for individual garbage ensure they have the proper payment tags