Ensure a smooth home closing by scheduling a final walk-through to verify that all agreed-upon repairs are complete and that the home meets your standards.
Before you finalize the purchase of your new home, it’s crucial to schedule a final walk-through to ensure that all agreed-upon repairs have been made and the home is in the condition you expect. This step is often overlooked, but it can save you from future headaches and additional costs.
A structured process ensures the home closing goes smoothly and the home repairs meet your expectations. Let's discuss these crucial steps, from initial coordination to finalizing the process.
Your first step should be to coordinate with your real estate agent to find a convenient time for everyone involved, including the sellers and their agents. This step is crucial to prevent scheduling conflicts that could delay your home closing.
For example, John and Mary avoided such issues by planning with their agent. This allowed them to address any necessary home repairs promptly and ensure a smooth path to closing on their new home.
Ideally, you should schedule the walk-through 24 to 48 hours before the closing date. This allows you to address any last-minute issues without causing delays. For example, if a minor repair isn't completed, there's still time for the seller to fix it. When Sara scheduled her walk-through two days before closing, she found a leak under the kitchen sink.
Thanks to the timing, the seller promptly fixed it, avoiding any disruption to the home closing. This ensures that all agreed-upon home repairs are completed and the property is in the expected condition.
Before the walk-through, review the list of agreed-upon repairs and any documentation from the seller regarding completion of these repairs. This helps you know what to check. For example, if the seller promised to replace the roof, ensure you have proof of the work.
When Mark reviewed his repair agreement, he noticed the seller included a new HVAC system, but during the walk-through, he found the old system still in place. Addressing this discrepancy before the home closing saved him from costly repairs later.
Revisit the sales contract to ensure you know the home’s condition upon closing. Typically, the contract specifies the removal of personal items and general cleanliness. Additionally, check for any agreed-upon home repairs.
For example, if the contract states the home should be debris-free, ensure this during your walkthrough. Jane found an old shed full of junk in her new backyard, which violated the contract terms. Her agent negotiated with the seller to remove it before the home closing.
Ensure the property is clean and all personal items not included in the sale are removed. This step is often overlooked. For example, Alex found the garage full of the previous owner's belongings when he walked through his new home.
He informed his agent, who then arranged for the seller to clear the items. Addressing cleanliness and home repairs before the final walkthrough helps prevent delays. This ensures a smooth home closing process.
List all agreed-upon repairs. Use your repair agreement as a guide. For example, if the seller agrees to fix a broken window, check that it has been repaired to your satisfaction. Lisa’s checklist included a broken fence that was supposed to be fixed.
During the walk-through, she saw that only a temporary repair was done, which she flagged to be addressed before the home closing. Ensure all home repairs promised by the seller are completed properly before the home closing. This step helps verify the home's condition and prevents last-minute issues.
Confirm that all appliances and systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) are in working order. Testing each appliance during the final walk-through ensures that it works properly. For instance, Tim found his water heater wasn't working, avoiding issues at the home closing. Checking appliances like the stove and refrigerator prevents unexpected home repairs after moving in.
Check that the yard is in the condition agreed upon. It includes tasks like mowing, trimming, and ensuring any agreed-upon landscaping repairs, such as re-sodding, are completed as promised. For instance, when Rachel noticed the yard hadn't been re-sodded as agreed, she alerted her agent before the home closing.
Addressing these issues ensures the property maintains its appeal and all agreed-upon home repairs are finished satisfactorily, facilitating a smooth transition for both parties.
Methodically check each item on your checklist. Don’t rush through this process like Brian, causing him to miss issues that become costly home repairs after closing. By being thorough, you can identify potential problems early, allowing you to negotiate repairs before finalizing the home closing. This ensures you move into a safe and satisfactory home without surprises.
Take photos or videos of any issues you find. Take pictures or videos of problems like chipped countertops or necessary home repairs. This documentation can resolve disputes later. For example, Emily found chipped countertops and took photos.
She used this evidence to negotiate repairs before the home closing. Buyers or tenants can ensure repairs are addressed by documenting issues upfront before finalizing agreements.
If repairs were made, ask for receipts or warranties for the work. It involves confirming that any repairs or replacements mentioned in the sale agreement have been completed as agreed. Buyers can ensure the work is legitimate by asking for receipts or warranties.
For example, if the seller replaced the HVAC system, buyers should receive documentation to verify the work and its warranty. Michael's insistence on reviewing these documents protected him from potential issues with the new system after the home closing.
Immediately report any issues or discrepancies to your real estate agent. Your agent can negotiate with the seller to resolve problems. For example, Karen alerted her agent when the home repairs promised were incomplete.
This action led to negotiations that resolved issues before the home closing. Keeping your agent informed ensures they can act quickly to protect your interests and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
Discuss how any issues will be resolved. It involves resolving issues like incomplete repairs discovered during the final inspection. Options include requesting a credit at closing or having the seller fix the problems before the sale is finalized. For example, if a promised window replacement is missed, buyers can negotiate for a price reduction. Take Tom, for example. His agent negotiated a $500 credit at the home closing to cover an unresolved window issue.
Ensure you are satisfied with the property's condition. Address any unresolved issues with your agent, such as incomplete home repairs or subpar landscaping. For example, if the landscaping is not up to the agreed standard, ensure it is corrected.
When Anna noticed incomplete landscaping, she resolved it before the home closing. These steps ensure a smooth home closing process.
If everything is in order, you may need to sign a walk-through document your real estate agent provided. This document confirms that you have inspected the property and are satisfied with its condition. For example, when Jake completed his walk-through and found everything in order, he signed the document, allowing his home closing to proceed smoothly.
This step ensures all agreed-upon home repairs are completed to your satisfaction. Consequently, signing off on the walk-through helps prevent disputes or delays during the home closing process.
A thorough final walk-through is essential to ensure your new home is in the expected condition and all home repairs have been completed as agreed. Following these steps will help you address any issues before the home closes and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
By being diligent and methodical, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy your new home with peace of mind. Ensuring a detailed and careful walk-through process protects your investment and guarantees a seamless home closing experience.
If significant issues are found during the final walk-through that violate the sales contract terms, you have the right to address these issues with the seller. In some cases, unresolved problems can give you grounds to delay or renegotiate the terms of the home closing. Consult with your real estate agent to understand your options.
If you cannot attend the final walk-through in person, you can arrange for your real estate agent to conduct it. Ensure they have a detailed checklist and specific instructions on what to look for. They can document the process with photos or videos and report any issues before the home closing.
If the seller disputes the issues found during the final walk-through, having documentation such as photos, videos, and written reports is crucial. Your real estate agent can use this evidence to negotiate and resolve disputes before the home closing.
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