Why Are Walkthroughs So Important?

When you are looking to buy a new home, the most important step is the walkthrough. This is your opportunity to see if everything in the house is in working order and to get an idea of what it will be like to live there. Many buyers skip this step, but they are missing out. This blog post will discuss why walkthroughs are so important in real estate and how they can help you make the best decision possible!

Importance of Walkthroughs

Although the walkthrough is not required by law, it is one of the most crucial phases in purchasing a new property. A walkthrough allows homebuyers to verify that everything checks out as expected. It’s the final chance to ensure nothing went wrong due to the prior owner leaving. It’s also critical to double-check if any repairs were supposed to be made as part of the sale closing condition.

The walkthrough is your only chance to see the house between the first showing and the day they take ownership of it. As a result, it guarantees that you buy the property on the same conditions as at closing.

Tips For a Successful Walkthrough

When you’re doing your walkthrough, feeling rushed is typical. Keep these ideas in mind to get the most out of your visit.

Find Out Who Attends the Walkthrough

The buyer, as well as the buyer’s agent, typically attend the walkthrough. On the other hand, the seller or seller’s representative is rarely seen. This allows buyers to inspect the property at their leisure without feeling rushed. Remember that the last walkthrough isn’t a home inspection; therefore, don’t expect any engineers or architects to join you.

Schedule It Just Before Closing

In most situations, you may schedule the walkthrough 24 hours before the contract expiration. If you can view the empty property, work with your real estate agent and the seller’s agent. You may have problems seeing some minor concerns or issues that might go unnoticed if you arrange a visit while the house is still inhabited.

Do a Second Walkthrough After Bad Weather

Although it may appear strange, schedule a second walkthrough if you can get bad weather before closing. Repeating the walkthrough might help you spot water penetration, sinkholes, or other damage you missed in the initial inspection.

Communicate Newfound Issues

If you find any significant issues during the walkthrough, remember that it isn’t necessary to be a deal-breaker. Communicating concerns to your agent and seller may put off the closing by a few days, but it ensures that the seller has time to address the problem. You might also be able to receive a credit at closing so you can handle any repairs after your agreed move-in date.

The Bottom Line 

Walkthroughs are an essential part of the home-buying process. They allow you to see the house in person and ensure everything is in working order. Schedule a walkthrough before making your final decision on a new home!

Ready to buy or sell your home? Contact Hawkins/Ryerse Group today to see how we can help!