How to Take a Final Walk-Through When Buying a Home

You found the house of your dreams, and all the inspections, mortgage paperwork and contracts are done. It's time for that final walk-through before heading off to the closing. Don't take a final walk-through lightly; it's your last chance to spot anything wrong and make sure everything that you agreed to is upheld. Take your final walk-through before buying a house with both eyes wide open.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the floors and walls in areas that furniture previously hid. Note any defects in rugs, wood floors or walls that you didn't see previously.

2. Make sure any items that were agreed were staying are there and any items that you requested for removal are gone. For instance, if the light fixture in the dining room is supposed to stay, make sure it's there or isn't replaced with a different fixture.

3. Ensure that all repairs that were supposed to be addressed have been taken care of satisfactorily and that the house is in the condition both parties agreed it should be in.

4. Run all appliances and major systems such as a central air conditioning unit or furnace to make sure it's in proper working condition. Run faucets and flush toilets as well.

5. Inspect the entire house from attic to basement as well as the outdoor property. There are things that you might have missed in your initial walk-through, and you don't have another chance to see the house after a final walk-through.

6. Note if the previous owner left any personal items or debris in the house, and request to have these things removed prior to the final purchase.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your real estate agent immediately to address any issues that come up during a final walk-through. Let him contact the sellers or their agent to take care of anything disagreeable that you spot on your final walk-through.