Here at Prysma, we specialize in providing you the best options for home mortgages and refinancing, but we also want to make sure that the home you choose is up to par. Once you’ve made it through the mortgage process and you’re ready to close on your home, you need to make sure a few things are in order.
A final walk-through is not technically a home inspection, and it’s not a chance to make negotiations with the seller for any repairs. At this point, you’re simply double-checking everything that is in your agreement and that any agreed-upon repairs have been made since you last saw the home.
Being a home buyer or looking for an apartment for rent can be stressful, but you shouldn’t miss the final walk-through. Here’s a checklist that includes important aspects of your home you shouldn’t forget to check.
Have the Repairs Been Taken Care of?
Before you start going through your house looking for imperfections, make sure that any repairs stated in your inspection summary have been taken care of and you have warranties or receipts if it’s major work. This is a good precaution to take in the event that these repairs fall through and something breaks.
Go Room by Room
After you’ve checked that all of the appropriate repairs have been made, it’s time to look around your property and inside the home. Your best bet is to simply go through every room in the house, while being aware of the most important components in each room. Here’s a run-down of some important features in your home that you shouldn’t overlook:
- Start on the outside: It’s best to start inspecting the home from the outside. Take a look at any masonry and concrete work (steps or driveway) and make sure it’s clear of any cracks or damaging imperfections. You can also double-check any electrical outlets, running water, landscaping, as well as the roof and siding.
- Light fixtures: Make sure that every light fixture inside and around the home is properly working and isn’t irrevocably damaged since you last saw it.
- Make sure the garage door is functional: You might not think to check the garage door, but it’s better safe than sorry. Garage doors can cost around a thousand dollars, and if you close on a home with a broken garage door, it’s sadly yours to keep.
- Ensure that every window and door works: Broken windows, doors or screens can all be major catastrophes in the waiting. These openings to your home can be the difference between being safe and being in danger.
- Check the Bathroom: There is a lot of plumbing that goes on in a bathroom and you want to make sure each fixture works. Turn on the water in the sink, tub and flush the toilet. You should also make sure that any existing fans and lighting fixtures are working, and double-check for any fresh scratches on mirrors or cabinets. Another good thing to look for is any signs of mold or water damage by the sink or the tub.
- Turn on any appliances: For any appliances that will come with the home, make sure to turn them on. Such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, washer or dryer. You should also check the circuit breaker and all outlet plates to make sure no damage has occurred. You want to be safe when it comes to electrical wiring.
- Ceiling, walls, floors: It’s always good to check the surface areas of every room. Has a new mark appeared that wasn’t’ there before? Are there any cracks or tilts in the flooring?
- Turn on the heat and air: Even it’s a particularly hot day during your walk-through make sure to turn on the heat as well as the air conditioning. Go a step further and make sure that the doorbell and possibly the security system is working.
- Check for signs of pests: If there are instances of dry rot, spongy floors, or droppings, these could be signs of termites or other pests.
If the Home Is Occupied During the Walk-Through
There’s the possibility that a seller won’t move out until your transaction has closed or simply a few days before closing. If this is the case, it may be beneficial for you to complete a final walk-through with the seller present. This way you can ask them anything about the current state of the home as well as any changes they would of liked to have made.
The End of The Line
As it becomes more and more evident, the mortgage process won’t end once you’ve signed the papers. A final walk-through is a portion of your home buying experience, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether an FHA loan or a TAX ID loan we have the expertise to assist you.
We hope these tips have been helpful for your upcoming walk-through. If you ever have any questions about the process of home loans or need to apply for one, reach out to one of our loan originators here at Prysma. We’ll be happy to assist you.
