Final Walk-Through Chesklist

Final Walk-Through Chesklist

A few days before closing, visit your new home to check that the terms of your contract have been met and the conditions of the property has not changed significantly. Use this checklist as a guide but refer to your contract for additional items.

◊ NEGOTIATED ITEMS - Ensure that all negotiated items from the contract are present and in the expected condition

◊ WALLS & FLOORS – Any new damage? Were rugs or furniture covering stains, unfinished areas, water damage or items not previously disclosed? Check ceilings for water damage.

◊ FIXTURES – Are all light fixtures, including Chandeliers, wall plates, etc are the same as shown when you last viewed the home. If curtains, shades, etc. were included, are they there?

◊ MAJOR APPLIANCES – Be sure that any items that were to remain in the home are still there, the same ones you agreed on and in good working order. Test all appliances.

◊ MAJOR SYSTEMS – Are the heating system, air conditioning, plumbing, water softener, alarm system, sprinkler system, etc. still in good working order? Run water and look under sinks for leaks.

◊ DOORS, WINDOWS & SCREENS – Check for damage or missing items and open and close all windows and doors. Are missing items, like screens, in storage?

◊ ELECTRICAL SYSYEMS – Turn on and off every light fixture. Run garbage disposal and exhaust fans. Test all appliances. Test garage door openers. Test heating A/C and alarm systems.

◊ PLUMBING – Flush all the toilets. Is there hot water? Turn on all the faucets and check for leaks. Run the hot and cold water separately and check for proper drainage.

◊ REPAIRS - Have all requested (or agreed upon) repairs been made? View receipts if necessary.

◊ MANUALS & REMOTES - Do you have the Owners Manuals, or any Instruction documentation for the major mechanical (appliances etc.) systems of the house? Are remotes for the garage, ceiling fans, sound systems, alarm systems, gas fireplace, etc. been left for you?

◊ CLEANLINESS – Has the seller removed all their personal items? Check attics and crawl spaces. The hose should be clean with all debris removed.

◊ EXTERIOR – Has there been any exterior damage to the home since your last visit or inspection? Examine the drains and gutters; especially if there have been recent storms or high winds.

◊ LANDSCAPING – Are all the plants and shrubs still there? Check steps, sidewalks, driveways, and patios for any noticeable change.

A final walk-through is not a home inspection. It's not a time to begin negotiations with the seller to do repairs. A final walk-through is an inspection before closing to make certain that the property is in the condition you agreed to buy and that agreed-upon repairs, if any, were made and nothing has gone wrong with the home since you last looked at it. If things are not as expected, let your real estate agent address the issues.

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Although we believe that this information is accurate as it is compiled from professional sources, please verify this information on your own before relying on it as your only source of knowledge to base any decisions on.