Final Walk Through Checklist PDF: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides a detailed final walk-through checklist, ensuring a smooth property transfer and addressing potential issues before closing, as of today’s date․

Understanding the Final Walkthrough

The final walkthrough is a crucial step before closing on a property, allowing buyers to verify the property’s condition matches the sales agreement․ It’s a final inspection to confirm agreed-upon repairs are completed and no new issues have arisen․ This checklist ensures nothing is overlooked, protecting your investment and providing peace of mind․ Remember to bring your contract and documentation!

What is a Final Walkthrough?

A final walkthrough is the buyer’s last chance to inspect the property before finalizing the purchase․ It verifies the property is as agreed upon in the contract, including completed repairs and the removal of seller’s belongings․ Essentially, it’s a confirmation that the property’s condition hasn’t deteriorated since the offer was accepted․ Utilizing a checklist is highly recommended!

Scheduling the Final Walkthrough

Scheduling typically occurs within a few days of closing, allowing time to address any newly discovered issues․ Coordinate with the seller and their agent to find a mutually convenient time․ Ensure sufficient daylight for a thorough inspection, or bring a flashlight! Confirm the property is vacant and utilities are on for testing․

Essential Documents to Bring

Bring your original purchase agreement, outlining agreed-upon repairs and included items․ Include any repair addenda or documentation detailing completed work․ Have a copy of the final walk-through checklist readily available for note-taking․ Don’t forget a pen, camera (or smartphone) to document any discrepancies, and a measuring tape if needed․

Checking Agreed-Upon Repairs

Thoroughly verify all previously agreed-upon repairs are completed to a satisfactory standard․ Compare the current condition to the repair addendum details․ Document everything with photos and notes, noting any deficiencies․ Confirm the quality of workmanship and materials used․ Address any incomplete or substandard repairs immediately with your realtor․

Verifying Completed Repairs

Carefully inspect each repair listed in the agreement, ensuring work meets the agreed-upon standards․ Test functionality where applicable – for example, a repaired outlet․ Look for evidence of professional workmanship and quality materials․ Document with photos and detailed notes, highlighting successful completions and any remaining concerns․

Documenting Any Remaining Issues

Meticulously record any discrepancies or incomplete repairs with detailed notes and photographic evidence․ Clearly describe each issue, noting its location and severity․ Prepare a list for the seller, outlining necessary corrections․ This documentation is crucial for negotiating resolutions and protecting your interests before closing․

Appliance Functionality Check

Thoroughly test all included appliances to confirm proper operation․ Verify each appliance is functioning as intended, per the sales agreement․ Document any malfunctions immediately․ Checking appliances is a key step in the final walk-through process, ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding post-closing disputes regarding appliance functionality․

Testing Kitchen Appliances

Systematically test the stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator․ Confirm the stove burners ignite, the oven heats correctly, and the microwave functions without issue․ Run the dishwasher through a cycle and check for leaks․ Ensure the refrigerator cools adequately; proper kitchen appliance function is vital․

Testing Laundry Appliances

Thoroughly test the washing machine and dryer․ Run both appliances through a complete cycle, checking for proper operation, leaks, and unusual noises․ Verify the dryer vents to the exterior․ Confirm all settings function as expected, ensuring laundry appliances are in good working order before finalizing the purchase․

Water Systems Inspection

Inspect all faucets, sinks, and showers for leaks and proper drainage․ Run water for several minutes, checking both hot and cold water supply․ Test toilets for flushing functionality and leaks around the base․ Verify water pressure throughout the house, ensuring adequate flow for all fixtures․

Checking Faucets and Fixtures

Thoroughly examine every faucet in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room for drips or leaks․ Inspect under sinks for any signs of past or present water damage․ Ensure proper operation of all showerheads and tub faucets, verifying hot and cold water mixing․ Check for corrosion or damage․

Testing Water Pressure

Run multiple faucets simultaneously to assess water pressure throughout the house․ Check both hot and cold water lines, noting any significant drops in pressure․ Flush toilets while faucets are running to observe potential impacts․ Look for consistent pressure on all floors, identifying any weak flows․

Locks and Window Operation

Ensure all exterior doors lock and unlock smoothly with keys provided․ Verify deadbolts engage correctly, offering secure closure․ Check window operation – opening, closing, and locking mechanisms – on each window․ Look for broken glass or damaged frames․ Confirm screens are present and intact, providing proper ventilation․

Ensuring All Locks Function

Systematically test every lock – including deadbolts and keyed entry points – on all exterior doors․ Confirm keys operate each lock without difficulty․ Check for smooth operation and secure engagement․ Note any sticking, loose handles, or damaged cylinders․ Document any lock issues requiring repair or replacement before closing․

Checking Window Operation

Thoroughly inspect each window, attempting to open and close them smoothly; Verify locks secure windows properly․ Look for cracks in the glass or damage to the frames․ Note any windows that stick, are difficult to operate, or have broken seals․ Document any issues for repair before finalizing the sale․

Security System Verification

Confirm the security system is functioning correctly, testing all components like sensors and keypads․ Ensure you understand how to arm and disarm the system․ Verify any promised monitoring services are active․ Confirm the seller provides all necessary codes and access information․ Document any discrepancies immediately․

Testing Alarm System Components

Thoroughly test each sensor – doors, windows, and motion detectors – to confirm they trigger the alarm․ Verify the siren’s functionality and ensure it’s audible throughout the property․ Check the panic buttons are operational․ Confirm the system communicates with the monitoring center, if applicable, and document all results․

Confirming System Functionality

Ensure the entire security system operates as described in the contract․ Test arming and disarming from all entry points, including keypads and remote controls․ Verify any smart home integration functions correctly․ Confirm the monitoring service is active and document the account details for future reference, ensuring peace of mind․

Seller’s Belongings Removal

Confirm the property is entirely vacant of all seller’s possessions, as stipulated in the purchase agreement․ Check all rooms, closets, attic, and basement spaces for any remaining items․ Inspect the yard and exterior areas, including sheds and garages, for unwanted belongings․ Document any discrepancies immediately․

Confirming Property is Vacant

Thoroughly verify that the sellers have removed all personal property from the premises, including furniture, decorations, and stored items․ Inspect every room, closet, and storage space meticulously․ Ensure no belongings remain in the attic, basement, or any outdoor structures․ Document any items left behind with photos․

Checking for Unwanted Items

Beyond seller belongings, look for any unexpected items left behind – trash, debris, or unauthorized alterations․ Inspect the yard for hidden refuse or damage․ Verify the property’s condition matches the sale agreement․ Document any discrepancies, including unwanted additions or neglected maintenance, with detailed notes and photographs․

Mold Inspection

Visually inspect areas prone to moisture – bathrooms, kitchens, basements – for mold growth․ Look for stains, discoloration, or musty odors․ Identify potential moisture issues like leaks or condensation․ While a professional inspection isn’t always required, addressing visible mold or potential sources is crucial before finalizing the purchase․

Visually Inspecting for Mold

Thoroughly examine bathrooms, kitchens, and basements for any visible mold or mildew․ Pay close attention to areas around pipes, windows, and areas with poor ventilation․ Look for discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on walls, ceilings, and floors․ Note any musty odors, which can indicate hidden mold․

Identifying Potential Moisture Issues

Inspect ceilings and walls for water stains, bubbling paint, or peeling wallpaper, indicating past or present leaks․ Check around windows and doors for signs of water intrusion․ Examine the basement for dampness or standing water․ Look for condensation on pipes or windows, suggesting potential humidity problems․

HVAC System Check

Thoroughly test both the heating and cooling systems to ensure proper functionality․ Verify the thermostat controls temperature accurately․ Listen for unusual noises during operation․ Inspect air vents for adequate airflow․ Confirm the system cycles on and off correctly, providing consistent comfort throughout the property․

Testing Heating Functionality

Activate the heating system and verify it produces warm air at all vents․ Check for consistent heat distribution throughout the house․ Observe the system’s cycle, ensuring it turns on and off as expected․ Listen for any unusual sounds, like banging or whistling, indicating potential issues needing attention․

Testing Cooling Functionality

Run the air conditioning system and confirm cool air emanates from all vents․ Assess the temperature difference between supply and return air, ensuring effective cooling; Listen for any strange noises during operation․ Verify the thermostat accurately controls the temperature, and the system cycles correctly․

Electrical System Check

Thoroughly test all outlets and switches throughout the property, confirming proper functionality․ Inspect the circuit breaker panel for correct labeling and ensure no tripped breakers exist․ Verify all lighting fixtures operate as expected, and check for any exposed wiring or electrical hazards during the final walkthrough․

Testing Outlets and Switches

Systematically test every outlet in each room using a phone charger or small appliance, confirming power availability․ Flip each light switch to verify proper operation of corresponding fixtures․ Look for loose connections or damaged plates․ Document any non-functioning outlets or switches for repair negotiation․

Checking Circuit Breaker Panel

Inspect the circuit breaker panel for proper labeling of each breaker, matching rooms and appliances․ Ensure no breakers are loose or damaged․ Verify the panel is free from rust or water damage․ Confirm the amperage of the main breaker is adequate for the property’s needs, documenting any concerns․

Plumbing System Check

Thoroughly inspect under sinks, around toilets, and exposed pipes for any signs of leaks or water damage; Run water in all faucets and showers, checking for adequate water pressure and proper drainage․ Confirm there are no slow drains or unusual noises, documenting any plumbing concerns immediately;

Looking for Leaks

Carefully examine all visible plumbing connections – under sinks, behind toilets, and around the water heater – for any evidence of current or past leaks․ Check for water stains, mold growth, or dampness indicating potential issues․ Don’t forget to inspect exposed pipes in the basement or crawl spaces․

Checking Drain Functionality

Thoroughly test all drains – in sinks, tubs, and showers – by running water for several minutes․ Observe if the water drains quickly and completely, or if there’s any slow draining or standing water․ Flush toilets multiple times to ensure proper operation and check for leaks around the base․

Exterior Inspection

Carefully inspect the landscaping, ensuring it matches the agreed-upon condition․ Examine exterior structures like fences, sheds, and the garage for any damage or needed repairs․ Verify the property’s overall appearance aligns with the sales agreement, noting any discrepancies before finalizing the purchase․

Checking Landscaping

Thoroughly assess the landscaping, confirming its condition matches the original agreement․ Look for freshly laid sod, trimmed bushes, or any completed landscaping work․ Ensure irrigation systems function correctly and there’s no new damage․ Document any deviations from the agreed-upon state before closing the deal․

Inspecting Exterior Structures

Carefully inspect the exterior of the property, including the roof, siding, and foundation for any new damage or unresolved issues․ Check for proper grading to ensure water drains away from the house․ Verify the condition of fences, decks, and any other exterior structures, documenting everything․

Final Documentation and Sign-Off

After completing the walkthrough, create a detailed report outlining any findings, including photos․ Obtain written sign-off from both the buyer and seller, confirming satisfaction with the property’s condition․ This documentation serves as proof of agreement and protects both parties, ensuring a legally sound closing process․

Creating a Final Walkthrough Report

A comprehensive report is crucial; meticulously document every observation, noting the date and time․ Include detailed descriptions and photographic evidence of any discrepancies or completed repairs․ Clearly state whether agreed-upon fixes were satisfactorily addressed, forming a record for all parties involved, safeguarding the transaction․

Obtaining Sign-Off from Both Parties

Secure written acknowledgment from both the buyer and seller, confirming agreement with the final walkthrough report’s findings․ This sign-off signifies acceptance of the property’s condition, preventing future disputes․ Ensure all signatures and dates are clearly legible, creating a legally sound record of the completed inspection process․

What to Do if Issues Arise

If discrepancies surface during the final walkthrough, initiate open communication to negotiate solutions promptly․ Consider repair credits, price adjustments, or delayed closing to address concerns․ Consult legal counsel if negotiations stall, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the resolution process, referencing the original agreement․

Negotiating Solutions

When issues arise, prioritize clear communication with the seller and their agent․ Explore options like repair credits, a price reduction, or a closing date extension․ Document all proposed solutions and agreements in writing, amending the purchase contract accordingly to avoid future disputes and ensure clarity․

Legal Considerations

Significant discrepancies discovered during the final walkthrough may necessitate legal counsel․ Review your purchase agreement for clauses addressing unresolved issues․ Consider consulting a real estate attorney to understand your rights and options, especially if negotiations stall or substantial repairs are required, protecting your investment․