Before the Keys: What Home Buyers Should Know

Before the Keys: What Home Buyers Should Know

Purchasing a home is a major financial commitment, and it isn’t always simple or straight forward. It can be both time-consuming and emotionally taxing in equal measure with the walk through stage being one of the most crucial junctures along this journey. In this article we share insights on: Before the Keys: What Home Buyers Should Know. With a little care and caution, you can ensure that before the keys change hands, you won’t have any unwelcome surprises.

Pre-Closing Walk Through: Why Your Agent Matters

Typically, the home walk through happens just before closing and after the home inspection. This is a time to check the property again and make sure that it’s in the same condition as when you made your offer.

It can be an especially important that your real estate agent accompany you during the walk through. The agent can help you identify any potential issues before the closing process gets underway and point out items that may have been overlooked or forgotten from your original purchase offer. This essential pre-sale review of the property is a must-have before any deal can be finalized. It is one of the most vital steps for buyers, as it’s your way to ensure that what is outlined in the purchase agreement lines up with your expectations. This way, you have peace of mind knowing exactly what to expect when finalizing your home purchase. In this article, we’ll discuss what buyers should know before a walk-through on a home purchase.

The Purpose of a Home Walk Through

Embarking on the journey of purchasing a home involves many steps and processes. One critical aspect that buyers must understand is the purpose of a home walk-through. It’s vital to remember that a walk-through is distinct from a home inspection, even though both are part of the home-buying process.

A home inspection is a comprehensive assessment of the property’s overall condition. This process is typically conducted by a licensed professional home inspector. Their role is to scrutinize the property thoroughly, examining elements like the home’s foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. They will then compile a detailed report highlighting any potential issues or areas of concern. This report provides invaluable information to the buyer and can influence negotiations on the property’s price or request for necessary repairs.

Contrastingly, a home walk-through is a final, personal review of the property performed by the buyer before the closing of the sale. This usually occurs just days or even hours before the final paperwork is signed. Unlike a home inspection, which identifies potential issues, the walk-through’s purpose is to confirm that the home’s condition matches what was agreed upon in the purchase agreement.

Final Property Walk-Through: Buyer’s Verification and Inspection

During the walk-through, the buyer checks to ensure that any repairs specified in the contract have been satisfactorily completed. This may include anything from significant structural fixes to minor cosmetic changes. The buyer also verifies that no new issues have cropped up since the home inspection and that the property’s general condition hasn’t declined.

The walk-through also provides the opportunity for the buyer to verify that no damage occurred during the move-out process if the sellers have already vacated the home. They check for any personal belongings left behind, confirm that all agreed-upon fixtures and appliances are still in the house and in working order, and ensure that the home’s cleanliness meets the standard set out in the contract.

In essence, while both a home inspection and walk-through involve examining the property, they serve distinct purposes and occur at different stages in the home-buying process. Understanding their individual roles and importance can help buyers navigate the path towards homeownership more effectively.

Home Walk Through Checklist

Before the walk-through, buyers should make a checklist of items they want to inspect in the home. This checklist should include everything that was included in the purchase agreement, such as appliances, light fixtures, and other fixtures that the seller agreed to leave with the property. The buyer should also check the general condition of the property, including the walls, floors, and ceilings, and make note of any damages that were not previously disclosed.

Ensuring Repairs and Testing Home Features Before Closing

Buyers will also want to confirm that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed. If the seller agreed to make repairs as part of the purchase agreement, the buyer should have assurances that the repairs have been completed to their satisfaction.

This includes any cosmetic repairs, such as painting or flooring, as well as any significant repairs, such as plumbing or electrical work.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the importance of testing everything. Buyers should test all appliances and systems in the home to ensure they are in working order. This includes turning on all lights, checking the HVAC system, and testing all appliances, such as the dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator. If any issues are discovered during the walk-through, the buyer should raise them with the seller before closing.

Buyers should also check that all personal property, such as furniture or other items, have been removed from the property. Again, the purchase agreement should specify what is included with the property, and any items that are not included should be removed before the walk-through. If any personal property is still present during the walk-through, the buyer should ask the seller to remove it before closing.

Take Your Time to Inspect Everything Before the Keys!

When all is said and done, a home walk-through is an important part of the home buying process that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Taking your time to inspect everything thoroughly before finalizing a purchase can provide peace of mind knowing that their new property is exactly as promised.

Home buying is a process that should bring joy – never rush it! So take your time and remember the golden rule: don’t sign anything until you are ready to do so. Through proper inspection and thoughtful consideration, future homeowners can savor in assurance that their decision was made with full knowledge before they unlock their new home’s door.

We strongly recommend that sellers perform a pre-walk through to ensure an effortless and dependable experience for all parties involved. To make the process simpler, download our Seller’s Walk Through Checklist now!

Finally, be sure to enlist the help of a qualified and experienced real estate agent if you have not already done so. They can provide valuable guidance throughout the entire home purchase process.

Shoreline Real Estate is here to help make the home buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team of experienced real estate agents understands the importance of a thorough walk-through, so we will work closely with you to ensure that every step of your journey is taken care of. We are dedicated to helping our clients find their dream homes, and we strive to make sure that all aspects of the purchase agreement are fulfilled before closing. Contact us today at 727-855-7788 to get started on your journey towards homeownership!

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