Why Is the Final Walkthrough So Important?

The final walkthrough is one of the buyer’s last opportunities to confirm that the seller has fulfilled the property-related obligations in the contract before the sale is completed.

It is not a formality, and it should not be rushed.

After the transaction closes and funds, the seller generally has no obligation to return to the property simply because the buyer discovers an unfinished repair, missing item or new concern. Certain written obligations or legal remedies may survive closing, but correcting a problem afterward can be difficult, costly and time-consuming.

That is why we want to identify unexpected changes or unfulfilled agreements before the sale is consummated.

This Is Not Another Inspection

The final walkthrough is not a second home inspection or an opportunity to create a new repair list.

Its purpose is to confirm that the property is in the condition required by the contract. We compare what we see during the walkthrough with the home’s previous condition and any written agreements made during the transaction.

We may look for answers to questions such as:

Most final walkthroughs are uneventful. That is the outcome we want—but we should never assume everything is correct without verifying it.

The Seller’s Obligations Matter

A signed contract places responsibilities on both parties. The buyer must complete the required financing, funding and closing steps. The seller must also perform the obligations established by the contract.

Those obligations may include maintaining the property, completing negotiated repairs, leaving agreed items in the home, removing personal belongings and delivering possession in the required condition.

A verbal promise is not enough. Before you sign the final documents, we want to verify that the seller has completed their contractual obligations.

What If We Find a Problem?

A walkthrough issue should not be ignored simply because closing is scheduled in an hour.

We will document the concern, review the contract and promptly notify the appropriate parties. Depending on the facts and contract terms, possible solutions could include completing the work, negotiating a written agreement, delaying closing or obtaining advice from a qualified real estate attorney.

Discovering a problem does not automatically give a buyer the right to refuse to close. The contract controls the parties’ rights and responsibilities.

The Debra West Team will walk through the property with you, compare its condition with the contractual agreements and help address concerns before you complete the purchase.

Once the transaction has closed and funded, the seller can hand over the keys and move forward. You should not assume the seller will come back later to correct something that could have been identified before closing.

The final walkthrough is not about finding reasons to be unhappy with the house. It is about confirming that you are receiving the property—and the agreed-upon performance—for which you are paying.

THE DEBRA WEST TEAM  |  RE/MAX ELITE GROUP