Why skipping the final walk-through may lead to unexpected problems…
Can we all agree on something?
Final walkthroughs are a critical part of the homebuying process! Sometimes buyers think that one walkthrough before the closing is enough, but it’s not wise to skip that final chance to check the house. The final walkthrough is SO important because it allows you to ensure that the property is in the same condition in which you agreed to purchase it.
We all want to think the best of the sellers, but sometimes things get lost in translation and the home’s condition may change.
During the final walkthrough, you’ll be checking to make sure that nothing has changed and that:
There isn’t any new damage
All agreed-upon appliances and furnishings (such as curtains and blinds) are still there
Any repairs that were negotiated into the deal were made
The included chattels and fixtures (appliances, hvac, plumbing) are functioning properly
If you notice any issues during the final walkthrough, you’ll get the chance to rectify them with the seller before taking ownership of the home. This could look like holding back funds to help you pay for damage, a new appliance, etc.
But if you skip the final walkthrough, and there is an issue, it is a much harder road to resolution.
If you ask me, the final walkthrough really isn’t optional - it is mandatory. Real life example: a buyer was out of town for a final walk through and was just going to skip it, I decided to go instead JUST IN CASE. Good thing I did - the sellers/tenants left behind a statue that I couldn’t even budge - it must have been at least 1,000 lbs! If we didn’t find that, that buyer would’ve had to pay to get that removed while they were already dealing with moving their own things in!
It’s just a few minutes that will help ensure that you’re happy with your new home and can confidently take ownership. I promise that this walkthrough will bring you peace-of-mind.
If you are a potential buyer looking to move to the KW area I would love to help you find your dream home! Fill out our Buyer Survey so we can help match you with the perfect neighbourhood for you!