What to Check on Your Final Walk-Through

Congratulations on nearing the finish line of your home buying journey! The final walk-through is a pivotal moment that signifies your progress through negotiations, inspections, and financial approvals, bringing you closer to signing those coveted closing papers. While you may be envisioning furniture placement and paint colors, it's crucial to approach the walk-through with due diligence. This blog will guide you on what to check during your final walk-through, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed before reaching the closing table.

Assessing Damage Responsibility:

1. First and foremost, it's essential to ascertain that no damage has occurred to the home that the sellers are responsible for repairing. Unforeseen weather conditions or careless movers may cause accidental damage, and as the buyer, you should ensure that any such damage is rectified before finalizing the sale. It's not uncommon for old or forgotten damage to come to light once the sellers' belongings are removed, so a thorough inspection is key.

Verifying Appliance Functionality:

1. While the final walk-through isn't a complete home inspection, it provides an opportunity to check the working order of appliances and identify any new plumbing or electrical issues that may have arisen since your last inspection. Though visual in nature, this step can help you spot any obvious problems that should be addressed before you move into your new home, allowing for a seamless transition.

Confirming Contractual Conveyance:

1. Review the agreed-upon terms to ensure that items contractually conveyed by the sellers, such as specific furniture, decor, or equipment, are still present in the home. It's crucial to verify that none of these items have been removed, as they form a part of the agreed-upon purchase and should be accounted for during the final walk-through.

Ensuring Sellers' Belongings Removal:

1. Imagine arriving with your moving truck, ready to settle into your dream home, only to discover unwanted furniture or trash left behind by the sellers. To avoid such unwelcome surprises, it's essential to make certain that the sellers have responsibly removed all their belongings from the property. Hold them accountable for the removal of everything that does not convey with the sale, ensuring a clean and clutter-free space for your fresh start. 

As you embark on your final walk-through, remember that it serves as the last opportunity to ensure that your new home is being conveyed to you in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it. By thoroughly checking for damage, verifying appliance functionality, confirming contractual items, and ensuring the removal of sellers' belongings, you'll approach the closing table with confidence and peace of mind. If any concerns arise during the walk-through, communicate with your real estate agent to address them promptly. Embrace this exciting milestone, and may your home buying journey in California culminate in a successful and satisfying experience.