It’s Final Walkthrough Day!
Ok, we’ve all heard the term. We all know we are supposed to do a final walkthrough. But what really should you be doing and looking at during your final walkthrough? Here’s a list of items I typically tell my clients to check:
🔸 Is the home in essentially the same condition that it was when we went under contract?
🔹Did any major damage occur as the seller moved their items out?
🔸Are all of the appliances in the home that were included in the contract and are they the same appliances that were there when you went under contract?
🔹If you added personal items to the contract, are those still in the home?
🔸Check to be sure that all boilerplate fixed items are still there (such as draperies, smart home tech, etc). Many Sellers will take some of these items not realizing the contract says it conveys with the home.
🔹IF you hadn’t done a post BINSR repair check, this is your last chance to make sure those repairs were actually completed. (Although I always recommend this check happen well before the final.)
🔸Has your agent made arrangements for keys, codes, and/or remotes?
🔹Has the Seller fully moved out? You don’t want to show up after title calls to say we’ve recorded and find a surprise holdover seller in your new home!
Basically, check the items that are important to you. This is your last chance before the sale is complete!
If you are satisfied with the condition and items in the home, you will sign a form indicating you have completed the walkthrough and are ready for the closing to record and finalize.
If you are NOT satisfied, you will want to immediately notify the Seller of the disapproved items. Keep in mind, if you issue a “cure notice” to the seller, they have 3 days to fix the disapproved items. This may mean that your closing ends up being delayed. Therefore, to keep you on track, I recommend doing an initial walkthrough 3 days prior to closing. Then, if need be or desired, you can do a final one the day prior or morning of the closing.
In the real world, however, the timing is not always that simple. Sellers may not move out until the day before closing or even the morning of the closing. This is when you need to be in constant contact with your title/escrow officer to ensure the transaction is not recorded without you having the chance to complete your walkthrough. Once title officially closes and records the sale, you have lost your chance to object to the condition of the home per the standard current contract terms.
As always, I’m here to assist you every step of the way. Contact me with any additional questions.
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