What is a Walkthrough and Why Do You Need One?

WHAT IS A WALKTHROUGH?

In it’s simplest form, a walkthrough or buyers visit is just that - another opportunity for you, the buyer to revisit your new home prior to moving in. 

The number of visits each buyer is entitled to varies with each deal, as this is one of the agreed upon terms in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Depending on the circumstances, buyers generally request 1 - 3 revisits. More often than not, 2 are what is agreed upon in the final offer. 

THE FIRST VISIT 

The first buyers visit generally happens within a month of your offer being accepted. This is a great opportunity to measure the space and start planning the layout of your furniture. You can also make note of rooms to be painted, repairs to be made, etc. in order to be prepared when you move in. 

THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH

The final (and most important) visit takes place anywhere between a week to two days prior to closing and provides you an opportunity to ensure that the house is in substantially the same condition as it was when you submitted the offer and that all agreed-upon terms in the agreement have been met and / or completed. 

WHY DO I NEED A FINAL WALKTHROUGH?

Because the final visit is so close to closing, the seller’s possessions are (we hope!) mostly packed. This makes it easier to notice any defects or repairs that need to be made that may have been overlooked in the initial inspections. This is your opportunity to inspect your soon-to-be home and allows your agent time to handle problems that you may discover. Are the appliances working? Are all inclusions still present? Have all agreed upon repairs been made?

IS THIS MANDATORY?

These visits are NOT a contingency of the sale, and are there for your (the buyers) benefit only. Some buyers may choose to forgo one or both of their visits because they feel it is unnecessary. That being said, please be warned that by not completing a final walkthrough prior to closing, you could end up paying more or working harder than you should due to things such as repair costs and junk removal.

For example: If you attend your final walkthrough prior to closing and notice that the furnace doesn’t work, your agent can work with the seller’s agent to ensure that the furnace is fixed prior to you moving in. If you forego the walkthrough and find upon moving in that the furnace doesn’t work, it will be you that has to pay to have it replaced or repaired.

VACANT HOMES

It is even more imperative that buyers conduct a final walkthrough when purchasing a vacant home, as problems tend to arise when no one is their to keep on eye on them. This could include leaks (which when left unattended cause mold), heating problems, etc.

Items to Check at the Walk-Through

One of the most important things to check is that all of the agreed-upon repairs / tasks have been completed. You and your agent can review that these are completed to your satisfaction.

This could include things such as:

• Nail holes filled

• Debris / junk removed 

• Pool professionally closed 

• Appliance fixed

• Windows replaced

Once you have ensured that the agreed-upon repairs are completed, consider checking the following: 

• Check that all inclusions are present (appliances, art, sheds, etc.)

•  Check to make sure the lights work 

• Run all faucets, look under cabinets to ensure there are no leaks. Check for hot water in the kitchen and bathrooms. (If the gas has been turned off there may not be hot water)

• Check the appliances in the kitchen, and verify operation of the garbage disposal 

• Are the garage remotes present and operable? 

• In the bathrooms, flush the toilets, turn on the shower, and check the exhaust fans

• Check out the HVAC in the home, ensure that the heat and ac are in working order

• Open and close all of the windows

• Does the home have a swimming pool or hot tub? - Be sure to check to make sure the pool equipment is operable, and you know how to utilize it. Also, ask for the name of the pool contractor who maintained it if you want to continue to receive service.
  

WHAT IF THERE ARE ISSUES?

Obviously you don’t want to find any problems, but if one arises, don’t panic, it doesn’t mean that the deal will fall through. Your agent will work with you and the seller’s agent, and the lawyers if necessary,  to have the issue resolved - this is one of the countless reasons you used an agent!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As a buyer, the final walkthrough is an opportunity to gain peace of mind in the days prior to your move. Moving is stressful enough without having to worry that your new home won’t be in the condition you bought it in.