You have bought a home and can’t wait to get the keys on closing day. Nothing ruins a good mood when you get the keys and find out there are missing or broken items you need to fix.

Every home buyer should do a final walkthrough before closing.

What do you look for during the home buyer final walkthrough?

1. Inspect appliances to ensure they are working properly. Check the fridge, stove, cooktop, oven exhaust fan, microwave. Keep in mind that appliances such as washing machine are difficult to inspect since a full cycle might be initiated.

2. Plumbing leaks: run the kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets and garden hoses, if the weather allows, to ensure there aren’t any leaks. Check under inside the cabinets for signs of leaks.

3. Knobs & switches: Items such as washer dryer knobs, light switches, cover plates, vents are not missing.

4. Windows & doors: check if they are operable and open/close properly. I had a case where the window didn’t open and we negotiated a price adjustment at closing.

5. Interior & exterior walkthrough: Lookout for water stains or signs of leakage, disconnected eavestrough or downspouts. For houses, I like to spend a bit more time in the basement looking at the mechanical room, electrical panel and the foundation walls.

6. AC & Furnace: Only one can be inspected depending on the season we are in. During winter, the furnace can be inspected whereas the AC can be inspected during the summer.

7. Verify repairs: If there is an item for the seller to address in the agreement purchase and sale, verify it has been completed. It could be something like seller to replace a portion of the fence or seller to replace a light fixture. Buyer beware: buying a home with an as is clause will work to the benefit of the seller since no repairs will take place. Typically renovators or builders will buy a house as is since they intend on doing major renovations. 

When does the home buyer do the final walkthrough? I typically do them with the home buyers between 7-10 days prior to closing

Documenting, via photos and email, to the selling agent all the items that need to be addressed prior to closing is important. Over the years, I have had cases where windows didn’t work, knobs were missing, debris was left in the property, toilets were broken and more….

These items were either addressed by the seller or a price adjustment was made to the final purchase price at closing. It starts with a properly written agreement of purchase and sale and a paper trail to protect the home buyers.

Till next time…..happy home hunting!!