Before you close on a real estate purchase, you will need to do a final walk-through of the home. This is your opportunity to make sure that all of the terms of your contract have been met and that the home is in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it.
In advance of the walk-through, review your purchase contract to remind yourself of the items that are to be left in the house and any other details. Here are some of the things you should look for:
- Be sure that any items that were to remain in the house are still there and are in good working condition. This includes appliances, light fixtures, curtains, screens and/or storm windows, and garage door remotes.
- Check to see that any repairs that were required of the seller were completed or that there is a written timeframe for when they will be done.
- Look for any damage that may have occurred to floors or walls during the seller’s move. With the house empty, check to see if there is any water damage that was covered by rugs, furniture or artwork.
- Turn on all major systems, such as air conditioning, heat and plumbing, to make sure they are still in working order.
Taking a few extra minutes and taking a close look at your home during the walk-through will go a long way toward protecting your new investment.
