Your Guide to the Final WalkThrough

Right before you get the keys to your new home, you need to make sure everything is in order, which is why you need to do a final walk-through. Here’s what you need to look out for.

The Final Walk Through Before Moving Into Your New Home

Your offer has been accepted and the home buying process is almost complete. You have to wait until your mortgage goes through, the home inspection and home appraisal, and your title insurance policy is in your possession. Once you’ve got those things ready, you need to go for the final walk-through. That usually happens a few hours or a few days before the closing. The final walk-through is your last chance to make sure everything is safe and in order before you move in. Here’s what you should be looking out for.

Before You Go

Before you head to your new home for the final walk-through, you need to get ready. Pack your contract to verify that all terms and requirements are met. Bring along a notepad and pen to take some notes and your phone to take photos. If there are some uncompleted repairs, changes you don’t like, or damages to the property, you’re going to need proof to dispute them. You should also bring you phone charger to try out the electrical outlets. Of course, your trusted real estate agent should be by your side as well to guide you and answer any questions.

What You Need to Look Out For

Repairs

You most likely negotiated some repairs into your real estate agreement, which is why the first thing you need to check is that those repairs are complete. Make sure that job is of good quality and that nothing will break as soon as you move in. don’t forget to ask the seller for warranties for all the works. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

Plumbing System and Bathrooms

Make sure that all toilets and faucets are fully functioning. So flush that toilet and open that faucet! You should also verify that there’s hot water and that no faucet is left leaking when you close it. Pay close attention to any sign of mold, because it can grow in a matter of days.

Electrical System

You can’t possibly live in the dark, can you? Verify that all the electrical systems work. Turn the light switches on and off in every room. Check that the circuit breaker is clean and functioning. Lastly, take out your chargers and plug it into all electrical outlets to confirm that they are safe and working. It’s possible that there might be a problem with the wiring if the sockets are not functioning.

Title Issues

The state of the title is not related to the physical shape of the house, but you don’t want to purchase a home that’s full of legal issues. By this point in your home buying process , you should be aware of any liens placed on the property. Once you become the legal owner you’re responsible for any legal situation that the house is involved in. Get your title insurance in Fort Myers before the closing so the seller can fix any title issue that arises. You can learn more about the reasons why you need title insurance and how you can get your policy by calling Schutt Law at (239) 540-7007.

Doors and Windows

You have to make sure that your new home can provide safety and privacy, which is why you need to check that the doors and window all shut correctly. Test them out. They should be closing completely and not making squeaky or creaky noises. Don’t forget about the window screens! Check them too.

Major Appliances

If you’re purchasing a house that includes major appliances such as a stove, dishwasher, washing machine, or something along those lines, you need to test them out. If something is wrong and they’re not functioning properly, you need to let the seller know. You should also make sure that the air conditioning/heating system is in top shape too. Repairing any major appliance or system can be costly, you don’t want to be the one dealing with those issues.

Cleanliness

Unless stated in your contract, you shouldn’t expect a picture-perfect clean home. In fact, most real estate contracts state that the house should be left “broom clean”. But the place should be free of debris and furniture by the time you go for the final walk-through.

New Damage

It can happen that the previous owners accidentally damaged the house while moving out. Look for new holes in the drywall, scratched walls and floors, and let the previous owners know so they can fix the issues.

Talk to the Title Insurance Experts in Fort Myers

You need to make sure that your home title is safe as well before you start preparing for the movers’ arrival. Call Schutt Law at (239) 540-7007 to request your title insurance in Fort Myers and get the process started.