Centereach, NY
Buy Right Guide - Lesson 11

"Why You Shouldn't Waive Your Rights to the Final Walk-through Inspection!"

The final walk-through inspection is a very important part of the Home Buying Process that many buyers forego, most often because they are pressed for time. Don’t skip this step!

This walk-through is usually conducted within five days to a few hours of closing. It’s not to negotiate any new contract changes but simply to make sure that the agreed-on repairs and condition of the property is in order.

Homes that sit vacant for any length of time could have a variety of things happen since you last were in the home. Many people such as home inspectors, exterminators, plumbers, electricians, other Real Estate Agents, or even other Home Buyers may have been in the home.

Sometimes drains are plugged during extermination and could have been left that way with a dripping faucet, and you may find that your bathroom or kitchen has flooded. Lights, heat, or A/C might have been left on, door and windows open, toilets running, etc.

If the home is still occupied right up to closing, do a walk through with your Real Estate Agent & the Seller. The Seller can inform you on any quirks about appliances, electricity, plumbing, the neighbor’s dog, etc. Ask the Seller for a forwarding address in case you need to contact them about the property for some reason in the future.

Final Home Inspection Checklist

• Make sure all debris and garbage is removed from the property
  
  
• Check the working condition of all appliances (over, stove, refrigerator, garbage disposal, microwave, washer/dryer, etc.)
  
  
• Check bathrooms (ventilation fan, hot/cold water, faucets, toilets flush)
  
  
• Check all light fixtures (go through every room turning them on and off)
  
  
• Check for any holes or cracks in walls or ceilings
  
  
• Check that garage door openers work
  
  
• Check heating and air conditioning
  
  
• Check that all doors and windows are closed and locked, including any out-buildings. You never know what might have taken up residence in a garage or storage building.
  
  
• Check that all agreed-on repairs have been dealt with

Tomorrow Lesson 12 - Centereach Buy Right Guide

Tomorrow you'll receive Lesson #12 of the Centereach Buy Right Guide. In it you'll find out the crucial details of Escrow & Closing.

Enlist a Team of Centereach Real Estate Professionals

If you'd like further assistance, please don't hesitate to call us or submit a contact request. We'd be honored to have the opportunity to serve you and be the Centereach Real Estate Expert on your team.