HUD Articles

The final walk-through in real estate is intended to allow the buyer to confirm the home is in the same condition as when they made their offer and had the home inspected. It gives the buyer a chance to make sure all the agreed-upon work has been done to specifications, and that everything is in working order.

Here are some tips to help buyers complete a smooth and effective walk-through.

Don’t do the walk-through the day of closing

A walk-through can reveal repairs that previously were agreed upon have yet to be completed or completed correctly. If you do the walk-through the same day as the closing, there may not be time to get problems remedied.

It’s not uncommon for more than one walk-through to happen. The first pinpoints some issues for the buyer, and the second makes sure those issues were addressed.

The other option is to push the closing back to address the issues. This ensures issues have time to be resolved.

Use your mobile phone to check the outlets

Plug a phone into all of the outlets to make sure the electricity works. You want to avoid moving in all your stuff, only to realize some outlets don’t work, and you lack light in a bedroom.

Bring your phone and charger to the walk-through and test all the outlets. It’s quick and easy.

Be on the lookout for the sellers’ leftover belongings

Sellers are notorious for leaving things behind, so take the time to check the garage and attic, and under the deck. The sellers may just assume you want their old paint cans or flower pots.

Make sure the sellers have left the home completely empty (except for any items that were agreed by both parties to be left)

Be emotionally prepared for a surprise

The journey toward homeownership is often a long one, filled with lots of excitement and ups and downs. The final walk-through is one of the very last steps of what could have been a very long journey.

Consider the walk-through in advance. Know what you want to look for, have a checklist, and keep your emotions and feelings in check. Doing so will make for a smooth ride to the close of escrow.

Debra Michaelson 

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage