Who is present at the final walkthrough?

The final walkthrough is when the whole homebuying process comes full circle and you usually end as you started… most of the time with only the buyers and their Realtor present in their new home. It takes place shortly before closing, and is when buyers check to make sure agreed upon repairs have been made and the home is in essentially the same condition as when everyone came to an agreement… so buyers aren’t surprised to find the sellers have taken the awesome dining room light fixture with them!

In addition to checking to make sure all repairs have been made and everything is clean and in working order, be sure to make sure that everything that was supposed to stay at the property is there… and that everything else has been removed.

If you are purchasing new construction, your final walk through takes place with your builder’s rep, usually in the week before closing. It includes review of your warranties and signing off on your punch list to make sure everything conforms to contract specifications before final payment and closing on your new home.

Sometimes, especially in unique properties, the sellers are also present for the final walk through to explain the idiosyncracies of the property. Every home has them… things you often don’t even think about when you live there such as switching the HVAC venting with the seasons, unusual light switches or cabling, having sewer lines periodically cleaned from tree roots, garden plantings, etc.

If you meet the sellers at the final walkthrough or at closing ask them about things they think you should know about the house. Ask what improvements they  had thought about but never got around to doing. Also ask for contact information so if questions come up or some mail doesn’t get properly forwarded you know how to reach them. I have even had buyers who have kept in touch with their sellers and have become friends… often the same property appeals to people who have a lot in common!

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results –  Minneapolis-St. Paul Buyer’s Agent

The HomesMSP Team – Sharlene, John, Angela – Twin Cities Realtors