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Final walk-throughs can make or break a real estate transaction. That’s why you should go through them in the smartest way. For tips on avoiding final walk-through mistakes, read this post by Land Title in Roseville, MN.
The final walk-through is a critical step in the real estate transaction process, typically taking place 24 to 48 hours before closing. It allows the buyer to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that any requested repairs have been made. However, many buyers make common final walk-through mistakes that can lead to complications or additional costs after the sale is complete. Here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
If you’re closing on a property, call Land Title in Roseville, MN at 651-638-1900 to have a trusted and expert title services company by your side.
How to Avoid Common Final Walk-Through Mistakes
1. Rushing Through the Walk-through
One of the biggest final walk-through mistakes buyers make is rushing through the final walk-through. Given that this is the last chance to inspect the property before taking ownership, it’s crucial to take your time and thoroughly examine each aspect of the home.
Buyers should budget enough time to check every room, test all appliances, and ensure that any agreed-upon repairs have been properly completed. Skipping over details in a hurry can lead to missed issues that could be costly to fix after the closing.
2. Failing to Bring the Contract
Another common error is not bringing the contract or list of negotiated repairs to the walk-through. The final walk-through is meant to confirm that the seller has adhered to the terms of the agreement, including making any necessary repairs or leaving behind appliances and fixtures that were part of the sale.
Without the contract in hand, it’s easy to forget important details or overlook something the seller promised. Buyers should reference the contract during the walk-through to ensure nothing has been missed or altered.
3. Not Testing Appliances and Systems
Many buyers forget to test essential systems and appliances during the final walk-through. It's easy to assume that things like the HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems are in working order, especially if they were inspected earlier.
However, it’s critical to test all major systems, including running water, flushing toilets, checking for leaks, and ensuring that heating, air conditioning, and appliances such as the oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator are functional. Not testing these items can lead to costly repairs after the closing.
4. Overlooking the Exterior
Buyers often focus heavily on the interior of the home during the final walk-through and neglect the exterior. However, the outside of the property can also have significant issues. It’s important to inspect the roof, gutters, siding, and landscaping for any visible damage.
Make sure to check that outdoor items included in the sale, like sheds, fences, or pools, are in good condition and as agreed upon in the contract. Ignoring the exterior can lead to unexpected repair costs down the road.
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5. Not Checking for Damage After the Seller Moved Out
Sometimes, damage occurs as the seller moves out, whether from moving large furniture or neglecting parts of the home. Buyers should carefully inspect walls, floors, and other surfaces for any scratches, dents, or other signs of damage.
If furniture or appliances have been removed, check for issues that might have been hidden, such as damaged flooring or walls behind large items. If problems are discovered after closing, the buyer may have little recourse for compensation.
6. Not Documenting Issues
If buyers do find problems during the final walk-through, another mistake is failing to document them properly. Buyers should take photos or videos of any issues and communicate them immediately to their agent or attorney. This documentation is essential for negotiating repairs or closing credits with the seller.
Neglecting the documentation of issues can make it difficult to prove that problems existed before closing, leaving the buyer responsible for the repairs.
7. Assuming the Walk-through is a Second Inspection
While the final walk-through is an important step, it is not a substitute for a professional home inspection. Some buyers mistakenly use the walk-through as a chance to find new issues or negotiate additional repairs.
The walk-through is intended to confirm that the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that repairs have been completed—not to renegotiate the deal. Buyers should rely on their original home inspection for a thorough review of the property’s condition.