The Ultimate Home Buyer's Guide

THE WALK-THROUGH

Checkmark Before you head to the closing table, we are going to do what is called a “walk-through”. This is usually done a few days before closing or sometimes the evening before.

We are going to make sure that the home is in the same condition it was when you agreed to purchase it (minus minor wear and tear, of course).

We will be looking to make sure that:

There was no major damage done since you first agreed to purchase it.
The owner has entirely moved out and has not left anything behind that you do not want. (Like bags and bags of trash!)
The home is in “broom clean” condition.
Everything the owner contractually agreed to leave behind is still there.
All the major appliances are in working order.

This is not the time when you can start moving in. You have not taken possession of the property just yet. We are simply making sure we are getting what was agreed upon.

PRO TIP: Sellers are often in a rush to get out of the home right up to the closing day. Sometimes they don't leave the home quite as spotless as a buyer may have hoped. Unless it's in atrocious condition, it is probably better to just expect that home to not be as clean as you had hoped, and if it is, look at it as a happy surprise.

If there is anything wrong with the home, or they have left junk behind, or the home is disgustingly dirty, we can bring it up to the owner (through their representatives) before the closing. They can remedy it by taking care of whatever issue you might have, although that could delay closing. Or they may offer a credit of some sort. (However, do not look at the walk-through as a way of negotiating a few bucks off the sales price.)

With all that said...do not worry! Most homeowners are conscientious, and the walk-through is a quick visit. In most cases, everything will look and work just fine.