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The final walk-through is not supposed to be dramatic.
In Lisa's ideal transaction, you walk through.
Everything looks right.
The seller moved out as expected.
Agreed items are present.
Repairs were completed.
The house is in appropriate condition.
You leave.
Great.
But the walk-through exists because sometimes that is not what happens.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
You are confirming that the property is generally in the agreed condition and that relevant contractual obligations concerning the property appear satisfied.
It is not normally an opportunity to restart inspection from the beginning.
CHECK AGREED REPAIRS
If seller agreed to:
- Repair AC
- Fix plumbing
- Address electrical issue
review documentation and visible completion as appropriate.
See repairs versus credits for what was agreed.
CHECK INCLUDED ITEMS
Remember the refrigerator?
Washer?
Dryer?
Other items included in your agreement?
Make sure they're there.
Review what stays with the house.
LOOK FOR NEW DAMAGE
Moving furniture can reveal:
- Damaged flooring
- Wall damage
- Other conditions
Not everything is automatically a contractual violation.
But if something significant happened, Lisa needs to know before closing.
CHECK SYSTEMS WHERE APPROPRIATE
Turn on:
- Lights
- Water fixtures
- HVAC
- Included appliances
Observe pool equipment.
Again, this isn't another technical inspection.
It is a practical final check.
WHAT IF THE SELLER LEFT THEIR ENTIRE LIFE IN THE GARAGE?
Tell Lisa.
The transaction establishes expectations about property condition and possession.
Do not assume you must accept a garage full of abandoned property.
WHAT IF SOMETHING IS WRONG?
Do not close first and decide you'll deal with it next week.
Tell Lisa.
Potential solutions depend on:
- Issue
- Contract
- Timing
- Seller cooperation
- Escrow
The important thing is identifying the issue before closing whenever possible.
WHEN EVERYTHING LOOKS GREAT
Enjoy the moment.
You're almost there.
