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Congratulations on your new house!

The final walkthrough is an important step before closing escrow, as it allows you to ensure that everything is in order before you take possession of the property. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the walkthrough:

1. Schedule the walkthrough with your real estate agent: It's important to schedule the walkthrough a few days before the closing date so that any issues that are discovered during the walkthrough can be addressed before the closing. Your real estate agent can help you schedule the walkthrough with the seller or their agent.
2. Bring a checklist: A checklist can help ensure that you don't miss anything important during the walkthrough. Your checklist should include items like checking the functionality of all appliances, ensuring all fixtures are installed correctly, checking for leaks or other issues with plumbing or electrical systems, and verifying that any repairs or agreed-upon changes have been made.
3. Bring a camera or smartphone: Taking pictures or videos during the walkthrough can be helpful to document any issues or areas of concern. This can be especially useful if there are any disputes or discrepancies that need to be addressed later on.
4. Bring a measuring tape: Measuring the rooms can help you verify that the sizes listed in the contract are accurate. This can be important if you are planning to purchase furniture or other items that require specific room dimensions.
5. Check the outside of the house: Walking around the exterior of the house can help you identify any damage or issues with the roof, siding, or foundation. This can be especially important if you live in an area that is prone to severe weather events.
6. Test everything: Turn on all the lights, faucets, and appliances to ensure that they are working properly. This can help you identify any issues that need to be addressed before closing. Open and close windows, test hot and cold water, test door hinges and that doors shut properly and lock, pull push on doors, make sure door do not open or close themselves.  Check to see if doors are trimmed for carpet or tile.  Check the paint and finish work on all painted surfaces, take note that the joints are properly filled and painted.  You should not see where floor boards end and begin. Paint on the walls should be thick enough that no drywall or plaster is visible. You may need another coat if the plaster or drywall isn't painted properly.  Check all grouted or calked surfaced are completed and not having any gaps. Check all cabinets and drawers to be sure they close and open perfectly. Check that your stove surface is level (it irks me that mine isn't level and I missed that on my walk through and warranty period).  Check that cabinets are properly finished, trimmed and level. If you have a pantry it is especially important to be sure the pantry shelves are level. Check window pains for scratches. Check for the window screens. Flush the toilets and listen for any water seeping. Make sure the air filters are clean on delivery because they may already be full of construction debris. make sure all fans and light switches work. Also check all 3 way switches. If you have a refrigerator with an ice maker be sure it's properly installed and making ice.Get a search Engine for Real Estate Investors & Wholesalers
   

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7. Check for cleanliness: Make sure that the house has been cleaned before you move in. This can include checking that the floors, walls, and surfaces have been wiped down, and that there is no debris or garbage left behind.
8. Check for any missing items: Verify that all fixtures, appliances, and other items that were listed in the contract are present in the house. This can include things like towel racks, light fixtures, window treatments, and appliances like refrigerators and stoves.
9. Take notes: Make notes of any issues that need to be addressed before closing. This can help you keep track of what needs to be fixed or changed and can be useful for reference later on.
   

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Here are some tools that would be handy to have for your walk through.

1. Flashlight: A flashlight can be useful for inspecting dark areas of the house, such as basements, crawl spaces, and closets. It can also help you identify any damage or issues with the roof, siding, or other exterior features of the house.
2. Screwdriver: A screwdriver can be helpful for checking the stability of fixtures like doorknobs, light switches, and outlets. You can also use a screwdriver to remove covers from electrical panels or other fixtures to inspect them more closely.
3. Level: A level can be useful for checking the levelness of floors, walls, and other surfaces. This can be especially important if you plan to install shelving, artwork, or other items that require a level surface.
4. Circuit tester: A circuit tester can help you identify any issues with electrical outlets or wiring. You can use the tester to ensure that all outlets are functioning properly and that there are no electrical issues that need to be addressed.
5. Binoculars: Binoculars can be useful for inspecting the roof and other high-up features of the house from the ground. This can be helpful if you are unable to access the roof or if you are inspecting a multi-story home.

While these tools are not essential for the walkthrough, they can be helpful in identifying any issues that need to be addressed before closing.

At the walkthrough, you should expect to receive several pieces of paperwork related to the sale of the property. Here are a few examples of the types of documents you may receive:

1. Closing Disclosure: This document outlines the final terms of your mortgage loan, including the interest rate, fees, and closing costs.
2. Title Report: This report provides information on the property's ownership history, liens, and other legal issues that may affect the sale.
3. Homeowners' Association (HOA) Documents: If the property is part of an HOA, you may receive documents related to the HOA's rules, regulations, and financials.
4. Inspection Reports: If you had a home inspection done, you may receive a copy of the inspection report detailing any issues that were found.
5. Repair Requests: If you and the seller agreed to any repairs or changes during the negotiation process, you should receive documentation of these requests and confirmation that they were completed. Remember you can use your phone to snap a picture of the list so nothing is lost or forgotten.

To organize these documents, you may want to create a binder or folder with tabs for each category of paperwork. You can also create a checklist of the documents you expect to receive and check them off as you receive them. This can help you keep track of what you have received and what you still need to obtain before closing. Make sure to keep these documents in a safe and secure place, as you may need to refer to them in the future.

If there are any warranties related to the property or any appliances or systems in the home, you should also expect to receive documentation related to those warranties at the walkthrough. Here are a few examples of the types of warranties you may receive:

1. Home Warranty: Some sellers may offer a home warranty as part of the sale. This warranty typically covers certain appliances and systems in the home for a specific period of time, and may include coverage for things like heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.
2. Manufacturer's Warranties: If any appliances or systems in the home are still under warranty, you should receive documentation related to those warranties. This can include warranties for things like the refrigerator, dishwasher, or HVAC system.
3. Builder's Warranty: If the home is new construction or was recently renovated, you may receive a builder's warranty that covers certain aspects of the home's construction or renovation.

When organizing your paperwork, you should create a separate tab or section for warranties and keep all warranty documentation together. This will make it easy to refer to the warranties if you need to file a claim or request repairs. Make sure to read and understand the terms of any warranties you receive, including what is covered and for how long, so that you can take full advantage of the coverage if needed.

When you purchase a new home, it's not uncommon to have some issues or items that need to be addressed after you move in. Here are a few examples of the types of services that the builder may need to return to do on a new home:

1. Touch-ups and Repairs: Even with the most careful construction, there may be small cosmetic issues that need to be addressed, such as paint touch-ups or repairs to drywall or trim.
2. Plumbing and Electrical: If there are any issues with plumbing or electrical systems, the builder may need to return to make repairs or adjustments. This can include things like fixing leaks, replacing faulty fixtures, or troubleshooting issues with electrical outlets or switches.
3. HVAC: If there are any issues with the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems in the home, the builder may need to return to make repairs or adjustments.
4. Landscaping and Drainage: If there are any issues with landscaping or drainage on the property, the builder may need to return to address these issues. This can include things like re-grading the soil to improve drainage, or planting new trees or shrubs.
5. Warranty Work: If there are any issues with the home that are covered by the builder's warranty, the builder will be responsible for returning to make repairs or replacements.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your new home, make sure to document these concerns during the walkthrough and discuss them with your builder or their representative. This will help ensure that any necessary repairs or adjustments are made in a timely manner. Also be sure to ask how long each item has a warranty for.  One example is that many new lenders only warranty fences and landscaping for 30 days.  So be sure to mark the things you need addressed right away.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that the walkthrough is successful and that you are fully prepared to take possession of your new home.

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