Step 26 - The Final Walkthrough

The Final Walkthrough

Upon receiving the Clear to Close, we will proceed to schedule the final walk-through. Typically, this takes place the evening before the closing or the hour/morning before closing. It provides you with the opportunity to inspect the property and ensure that it is in the same condition as it was during the initial inspection. The walk-through typically lasts about 20 minutes. Please inform us of the preferred day and time for your final walk-through.

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 in advance of the walk-through
• Make sure all of the appliances are still working
• Check to make sure the sellers didn’t 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
• Test the intercom, doorbell, alarm, HVAC and hot water to make sure they all work
• Property should is in “broom clean” condition meaning it doesn’t have to be perfectly clean, but you have to be able to clear out any debris with a broom
• Ask when the trash is picked up, where the parking is, where the storage unit is, etc.
• Ask about trash and recycling days
• 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.
• Turn on all the faucets. Make sure the hot water is getting hot. Check under the cabinets to make sure there are no leaks.

Here is what the final walk-through IS NOT:

• It’s not a time to have your parents, friends, etc. come look at the property or for contractors to 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 into the property at the final walk-through. That has to wait until you officially close on the property.  
• It’s not when we receive the keys.  That will happen at the end of closing.

Following the walk-through, we will need to discuss how you will receive the keys, any fobs, and the mailbox key. Typically, these items are handed to us as the buyer's REALTOR®, and we will bring them to the closing. Subsequently, they will be given to you after the closing. However, if you reside in a doorman building, it's important to confirm whether the doorman will have the keys and if they will be able to provide them to you after the closing, or if you will need to present a written form to obtain them.

What happens if you find damage at the final walk-through or the seller didn’t do one of the repairs he was supposed to do? 

You have three options if you discover damage at the final walk-through or the seller didn’t repair something he/she was legally obligated to repair:

1. You can delay closing by a few days/weeks and ask the sellers to repair whatever items are damaged
2. You can ask the sellers to put money into escrow to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time
3. You can ask the sellers to provide a credit to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time but have the funds to pay for the needed repairs after closing

If the sellers are not willing to do any of the above you can cancel the contract and walk away from purchasing the property. That rarely happens though and is the last option if we’ve exhausted all other options.