Buying a home is an extremely exciting time in anyone’s life. Of course, there are various potential obstacles between getting a property under contract and the closing table. Assuming you can get through the potential stumbling blocks of price negotiations, inspections, a loan approval, and other items, it is important to conduct a thorough walk-through of the property just prior to closing. After all, you are paying a lot of money for the property and you should ensure that you are getting what you are paying for. In addition, this is also your final opportunity to confirm that any previously agreed upon repairs were completed.
Items to look for during a walk-through
- Make sure the home is clean and free of debris.
- Check for any damage to the walls, floors, ceilings, and appliances.
- Make sure all of the appliances are working properly.
- Turn on the water and check for leaks.
- Test the heat and air conditioning.
- Check the locks on all the doors and windows.
- Walk around the property and look for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the foundation.
Helpful tips
- Schedule your walk-through for a time when the seller is not present. This will give you the freedom to inspect the property without feeling rushed or pressured.
- Bring a checklist with you to help you stay organized. This will ensure that you don’t forget to check anything important. If there are any previously agreed upon repairs that the seller was to complete, make sure to include these items on your list.
- Take your time and be thorough. Don’t rush through the walk-through just to get it over with. The more time you spend inspecting the property, the more likely you are to catch any potential problems.
- If you find any problems, don’t be afraid to speak up. The seller may be able to fix the problems before closing, or you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
Summary
When buying a home, it is important to thoroughly review your sales contract. Standard real estate contracts include a pre-printed section listing what is included. Most of these lists include kitchen appliances, lights, window treatments, and other fixtures. The contracts also have space to add or exclude specified items. Buying property includes the land, the structures built on it, and the appliances and fixtures permanently attached to the structures. This includes things like doors, pool equipment, light fixtures and garage openers. If you are going through your walk-through and notice an item such as a washer or dryer are missing, you will want to review your sales contract to determine whether or not these items were included with the sale. If they should be included, you will need to bring this up prior to closing. As always, your real estate agent will be your best resource for addressing any of these items.
Are you looking to buy or sell property in South Florida? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, be sure to download the free Florida Home Search app for your smartphone or tablet!
