Once you’ve received the Clear to Close, we’ll schedule the final walk through. This usually occurs the day before closing and is a chance for you to walk through the property and make sure it’s in the same condition as it was during the inspection. This is the time to confirm that all the items we requested be repaired have, in fact, been repaired. We’ll review repair receipts to confirm work was performed by a licensed professional when necessary. This is NOT the time to make additional requests or point out things you dislike.
The walk through takes about 30 minutes. The seller’s Realtor usually attends in case any problems do come up. Please let me know what time would be best for your final walk through and I’ll schedule it.
Here’s what you should check at the final walk through:
- Verify that all repairs have been made. Be sure to obtain copies of paid receipts and any related warranties. We will request these are given to us in advance.
- Make sure all of the appliances are still working
- Check to make sure the sellers didn’t significantly damage anything moving out
- Look to make sure all items included in the sales price (lighting fixtures, blinds, curtains, etc.) are still there. This includes anything that was attached to the wall previously such as shelves, TV mounts, etc. unless noted as being excluded on the contract
- Screens and storm windows are in place or stored somewhere on site
- Test the intercom, doorbell, alarm, HVAC and hot water to make sure they all still work
- Property should be in “broom swept” condition meaning it doesn’t have sanitized and disinfected, but you are able to clear out any debris with a broom
- Ask what day trash is picked up and pertinent Condo details such as pool hours, doorman times, parcel delivery instructions
- Get the garage door opener (if applicable) and any other remotes
- Locate any instruction books and warranties for appliances and fixtures
- Make sure all personal items of the seller and all debris have been removed including clothing, food in the fridge, etc.
Here is what the final walk through IS NOT:
- It’s not the time to make a grievance list about the seller or create a list of things we should have asked for in negotiations. However, it might be helpful to make quick to-do or to-buy lists like, purchase front door mat, buy a duster for the corners near the ceiling, remember to patch the nail holes from their wall photos.
- It’s not a time to have your parents, friends, etc. come look at the property or for contractors give you estimates, etc. All of that can wait until the next day once you officially own the property.
- It’s not possible to begin moving boxes or other items in to the property at the walk through. Please do not ask; moving anything of yours in before you actually own the property is a liability issue. That has to wait until you officially close.
- It’s not when we receive the keys. That will happen at the end of closing.
At the end of the walk through, we will confirm how you will get the keys, house fobs, and the trash and mailbox keys if applicable). Usually these items are given to me as the buyer’s Realtor closing day and I bring them with me to closing. They are then given to you at the end of closing. However, if you are in a building with a doorman, verify whether the doorman will have the keys and whether he or she will be able to give them to you with a written release form.
We’re almost there! Questions? call me @615-977-8444 or email whereyoulivetn@gmail.com