Tips for Your Final Walk-Through

As part of a real estate deal, a final walk-through is always offered. Do not pass it up! Within a week before you close take the time to visit the home you are buying again. Take the time to inspect the items that you may have negotiated to be repaired or changed. Make sure nothing has changed significantly since you were last in the home. It’s helpful to bring your purchase contract with you to check off the items that were supposed to have been taken care of.


Also make sure any items that were promised in the contract are still in the home, such as appliances, window screens, storm doors, remotes, ceiling fans, window treatments, landscaping and fixtures. Make sure that the major systems are properly working such as heating, cooling, plumbing, and hot water heater. Be on the lookout for any damage that wasn’t there before that could have been created in the move, such as holes in the wall or scratches on the floor, and outside damage as well. You are also entitled to a “broom swept” home; you don’t have to accept it’s condition if it is filthy.

You have the right to buy the home in the condition you thought it was in the last time you saw it. Exercise your right to inspect the home and make sure everything is in order, because after the sale has closed, it is not the seller’s responsibility anymore, and nothing can be done about it. Make sure you get what you paid for!