Many buyers mistakenly use the final walk-through as a means to get one last look at their dream home before they move in. They start planning where furniture will be arranged and which room will be used for which purpose.
However, the final walk-through is your last chance to make sure everything is in working condition. Here are things to look for:
- Requested repairs. The sellers may have been required to make certain repairs or upgrades before closing. Make sure the repairs are finished and done correctly. Don’t be shy either. If something truly isn’t finished to your satisfaction, bring it up and get it resolved before you move in and have to deal with it.
- Working HVAC systems. Turn on the central heat and central air. Stick around the house long enough to actually feel that the temperature has changed and that you’re not just hearing and feeling the fan blowing.
- Working appliances. Turn on the dishwasher, the oven (and the oven light and fan), the washing machine, and the dryer. Also, flush all the toilets to make sure there are no leaks.
- Proper plumbing. Turn every faucet and shower head in the house on and off. Make sure there are no leaks and that the water pressure is sufficient. Also, check the pipes underneath the sink and in the basement to make sure there are no leaks.
- Remotes and keypads. If your new home has a home security system, make sure each keypad work. Make sure you can open the garage door or turn on ceiling fans – many homeowners unwittingly pack remotes when they move.
- It might sound crazy to think the seller could take some outside plants with them. But it happens. Check your home’s yard to see if anything is missing. Also, if there’s an automatic irrigation system, make sure it’s in good working order as well.
- Lights and other fixtures. Make sure that every light, ceiling fan or other fixture that was supposed to stay in the house is actually there.
- Sellers are required to leave the house clean and free of their possessions. Make sure the home, including the inside of the refrigerator, the garage, the yard, and any outbuildings are empty and clean, unless specified otherwise in your contract.
If you find that the sellers have not followed through on the contract promises, or you find a new issue that you want them to address, contact the sellers’ agent and negotiate a solution to the problem.