After price negotiations and a home inspection, closing on a new house is a deep thrill of excitement. However, before you get carried away thinking about how to set up the living room, don’t forget it’s standard for you to take one more walk-through of the home before closing the deal.
To help out, we’ve provided some guidelines for what you should do leading up to and during your final walk-through.
Make sure you have the following items with you:
- Notepad: You will want to document the date and time of your walk through, take notes.
- Camera: Take pictures to supplement your notes about questions or concerns that could arise in the house or on the property.
- Inspection Summary: It’s important to double-check that all repairs have been completed as promised.
- Your Real Estate Agent: Don’t do your walk-through without your real estate agent. They can answer any questions as well as guide you through the process.
Confirm Repairs
Double-check that repairs have been completed, and that the seller has left behind warranties and receipts for the work. If something breaks, you will want to be able to follow up with the person or company that made the repairs.
Pull The Plug
Check electrical systems by turning lights on and off, checking the circuit breaker (is it clean and working?) and looking at all outlet plate covers to make sure they’re free of damage. If not, you may have a deeper problem with electrical wiring that you’ll definitely want to sort out before closing.
Head to the Bathroom
Walk through bathrooms and check for mould, water damage, and standing water by the sink, shower, and base of the toilet. Mould can spring up in a matter of days, so it’s extra important that you check for this sign of a potential water leak. Then ensure the toilets aren’t running, and they flush properly. Turn on all the faucets (including the showerhead) and verify that they have hot water, don’t spray water, and don’t leak when turned off. All sinks and tubs should drain properly and quickly.
Confirm the Condition of the Kitchen
Check for the same signs of mould or water damage — paying careful attention to areas under the sink, by the dishwasher, and by the refrigerator — and be certain to turn on and off all appliances to ensure they work.
And Don’t Forget the Laundry Room!
While you’re checking appliances, head to the laundry room to turn on and off the washer and dryer. If there is a utility sink, fill it and make sure it drains properly.
Make All Systems Go
Even if it’s a hot-as-heck kind of day when you walk through the house, turn on the heat and make sure it’s working. Do the same with the air conditioning, and verify that the doorbell, security system, and garage door work.
Look Around
There is no doubt that buying a new home is a thrilling time in life; make sure that your experience in closing the deal goes as smoothly as possible by following these tips and making sure you look around the property without those rose coloured glasses on!
