The Final Walk Through

The final walk through is done by the buyer typically right before closing to make sure that everything is as it should be in the house they are fixing to purchase. Usually, at that point, the seller is moved out or is almost moved out and the buyer can make sure the house is in its required condition.

The purpose of the walk through is to make sure everything is as it should be before signing closing documents. At this point, buyers are super excited and sometimes they get starry-eyed just walking into the house that is fixing to become their own!

Here are some of the things a buyer should be looking for during the walk through:

• Any repairs to the property that the buyer asked for should be complete. If the repairs were completed by a professional a copy of the receipt should be provided to the buyer.
• No major unexpected changes have been made to the property since the buyer was last there.
• Nothing is removed from the property that should have been conveyed (tv mounts, fireplace screen, light fixtures, appliances, etc.).
• Remotes, keys, and any “controls” to the house are left in the house or will be available at closing. “Controls” also means logins/passwords to any apps or smart devices that pertain to the property. If there is a community mailbox area then the mailbox number and key. The post office will rekey the mailbox for free for the new owner. However, it can take up to a few weeks for that to happen. It’s just a courtesy for the seller to hand over the current mailbox key to the new owner.
• All personal items and debris from the seller have been removed.

As the seller, getting moved out and remaining sane while doing it is usually your first priority! The buyers’ final walk through is usually towards the end of the list.

As the seller here’s a few things to do to prepare for the buyer’s final walk through:

• Keep any receipts or evidence of negotiated repairs completed on the house to give to the buyer.
• Leave any users manuals that pertain to the property for the buyer.
• Collect everyone’s house keys, garage door openers, and mailbox keys to either leave in the house or bring to closing.
• It’s always great if a seller can leave paint cans or paint colors that are associated with the house.
• Be prepared to leave/transfer any logins or apps that pertain to the property to the buyer. After closing, the seller should not have any access to the house, which includes digital connections.
• Clean! Even though the contract says the house should be swept clean, you want the house to be fully ready for its new owner. Going above and beyond is always very appreciated!

Sometimes there are other things that have been negotiated in the contract that you might need to double-check. Ask your Realtor what things you should be looking for during the final walk-through, hopefully, they are an old pro at it and will refresh your memory!