Why the Final Walk-Through Before Closing Matters So Much

What do you do when the seller won’t let you in for your final walk-through right before closing?

It’s a situation most buyers never face, but Veronica Murphy went through it with one of her buyers. After days of back and forth, and being told no more than once, she finally got her clients in the day before closing. Here’s why she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

What is a final walk-through?

A final walk-through is one last visit to the home shortly before closing. It’s not a second inspection. It’s a chance to confirm that:

• Everything included in the contract is still there: appliances, light fixtures, window coverings and anything else you agreed on
• Nothing that wasn’t supposed to stay was left behind, like junk, old furniture or garbage
• The home is in the same condition as when you bought it, with no new damage

Why timing matters

The closer to closing day you do your walk-through, the better. Ideally it happens the day of or the day before closing.

If you find a problem before closing, the lawyers can deal with it while you still have leverage. If you only discover it after closing, you’re stuck with the problem, or facing a longer and more expensive legal process to fix it.

As much as we’d all like to trust the people on the other side of the deal, you need to see it with your own eyes.

What to check during your walk-through

1. Run the taps, flush toilets and check for leaks.
2. Turn on the furnace or A/C and test the appliances.
3. Open and close windows and doors.
4. Look for new damage to walls, floors and ceilings.
5. Confirm every item listed in your agreement is still there.

A REALTOR® who protects your interests

Veronica pushed for days to get her buyers in because this step protects them. That’s the kind of advocacy you want on your side.

Call Veronica at 289-768-9968 or start your home search.