Yes! You Need A Final Walkthrough!

by Adam Carter

As the closing date on your new home nears, don't be tempted to rush the final walk-through because of your confidence in the seller/builder. Your new place may have sailed through the inspection, but many things can go wrong between inspection and closing.

Image of a couple standing in front of their new home

Construction is a big messy business where things can be damaged. Moving out of a home can be too. Things can also just break and you need to be aware of it. The Walkthrough is yours and your realtor's chance to spot any issues to save you a potential headache.

Bring those lists!

At this point, you will have had the structural and functional aspects of the home inspected. If any repairs were needed and negotiated for, that list needs to be in your hand as you walk through the home. You also need a list of items the seller said could stay with the house and items they agreed to remove.

With those in mind, consider checking these areas:

Exterior:

landscaping maintained correctly
windows sealed correctly
walls, trim, and eaves sealed correctly
mailbox or yard
water damage (yes even new builds)
pest evidence
garage door openers
debris present that should have been removed

Interior:

utilities are on
HVAC working, air filters clean
thermostat working
outlets and fixtures where they should be and working
check walls and floors for damage from mold, water, or hanging electronics
check for damaged flooring
garbage disposal and exhaust fans
fridge cold
freezer working
stove burners work
oven warming
dishwasher works and drains
washing machine and dryer functioning and draining
owners belongings removed
items sold with the home are present, including fixtures.
basement and attic water damage, leaking
plumbing is functional, no leaks
toilets all flush
drains clear
hot water working,
no evidence of gas leaks
home clean

What if something is wrong?

Generally, a seller will come back and repair or clean up whatever was amiss in the final walkthrough. This may delay closing if the issue is significant. Many new home buyers find that having things repaired before closing is easier than waiting for warranty-covered repairs by the builder.

If the seller has moved or chooses not to make the repairs, you can renegotiate the contract to receive the funds needed to make repairs on your own.

Lastly, it is possible to hold some of the seller's funds back in escrow, along with a premium, that will go to you if they don't make the repairs.

The video linked below has some great advice for buyers of a new build on their final walkthrough: https://youtu.be/19jZAR2YI6A

We are here to walk you through the home buying and selling process. If you have any questions about the Central Texas market or need anything at all, please call.

We appreciate you,

Adam and Michelle