A final walkthrough checklist typically involves confirming that nothing major has changed with the home and that any items the seller agreed to take care of have been completed.
It’s usually a pretty straightforward list to work through. However, it can save you from discovering an annoying surprise after you already have the keys.
In this post, we’ll walk through when to do your final walkthrough, what to include on your checklist, and what to do if you find a problem.
When Should You Do Your Final Walkthrough?
You’ll usually do your final walkthrough shortly before closing, often the day before or the morning of. This kind of last-minute timing can be helpful because it gives the seller the chance to move out first. So, you can walk through the home without furniture or boxes getting in the way.
Of course, you don’t want to leave it so late that there’s no time to deal with a problem if you find one. Your real estate agent can help you choose a time that gives you a bit of breathing room before closing.
What Should You Include in a Final Walkthrough Checklist?
Here’s what to include on your final walkthrough checklist:
- Is there any new damage? Look for scratches, dents, damaged flooring, cracked windows, broken doors, or anything else that may have happened while the seller was moving out. Pay extra attention to areas that may have been hidden behind furniture during earlier visits.
- Did the seller complete the agreed-upon repairs? Go back to your Agreement of Purchase and Sale and check each repair or other piece of work the seller agreed to complete. If you have relevant receipts, invoices, warranties, or other documentation, bring them with you too.
- Are the lights, plumbing, appliances, and fixtures working? Turn on the lights, run faucets, flush toilets, check for obvious leaks, and test appliances or equipment that are staying with the home.
- Are all the included items still in the home? Make sure appliances, light fixtures, window coverings, shelving, garage door openers, and any other fixtures or chattels listed in your agreement are still there.
- Did the seller leave the property in the expected condition? Check that the seller has removed their belongings, cleared out garbage, and taken anything they agreed to remove. Don’t forget the basement, garage, shed, closets, and yard.
It can also help to take a few photos as you go, especially if you spot damage or something that doesn’t match the agreement. You don’t need to document every room, but having a clear record can make the next conversation with your real estate agent much easier.
What Should You Do If You Find a Problem During the Final Walkthrough?
If you find a problem during the final walkthrough, let your real estate agent know as soon as possible and document it with photos or notes. It just gives them something clear to work with when they compare the issue against your Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
The next step will depend on both the extent of the problem and the conditions in the agreement. A small issue may be easy to sort out, while something more serious could require a lawyer’s involvement before closing.
The important thing is not to brush an issue off just because you’re close to getting the keys. It’s much easier to deal with a problem before the transaction closes than to discover it afterwards and try to sort it out then.
Need Help Before Closing on a Home?
By the time you get to the final walkthrough, you’re probably pretty ready to get everything resolved so you can just move in already. However, this is one of your last chances to catch something before the deal closes, so it’s worth slowing down and giving the home a proper look.
And if you do spot something, it helps to have someone who can tell you what matters, what your options are, and what should happen next. So, if you’re buying a home in Southern Georgian Bay and could use some expert advice, feel free to contact us at the Hawkins Real Estate Group to speak with one of our agents today.
A little extra care at this stage can make closing day feel a lot more straightforward.
