Kristin Brown Explains How to Make the Most of Your Final Walkthrough

LEXINGTON, Mass. - Sept. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Congratulations! It’s almost time to take possession of your new home. The last few weeks or months may have seemed like a flurry of activity as you shopped for a new home, secured financing, and made an offer that was accepted by a seller. It’s almost time to move in and start the next stage of your life. But first …

…don’t underestimate the importance of your final walkthrough of your new home. Even though you’ve probably had a successful home inspection, there are still plenty of “buyer beware” types of concerns that can crop up at the eleventh hour. If you’re the seller you’re dealing with has integrity and a reputable agent, chances are all will be smooth sailing. But just in case, here’s a checklist for that last chance to set everything in order before moving in:

The Exterior. Take a walk around the perimeter of your new home. Are all the fixtures in order? Gutters firmly affixed, deck, patio, driveway, and walkways in good shape? If there are damaged outdoor fixtures, broken latches on windows and doors, or anything else visibly wrong from the outside, note the problem and ask the seller to have it fixed.

Damage. Sometimes when movers are removing furniture and belongings from a home, mishaps can happen. When you start to look around the inside of the house, make sure carpets, drywall, floors, and ceilings are in the condition that you expect them to be. If there is a brand-new scratch on a hardwood floor that could have resulted accidentally during a move-out, you’ll want to note the damage and ask to have it repaired.

Electrical Fixtures and Plumbing. You’ll want to make sure that switches and buttons are all functional and that faucets are in working order. Check that the water pressure is satisfactory and flush the toilets to make sure they are functioning.

Exhaust Features. Check the fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room to make sure they are in working order.

Appliances. In addition to verifying the presence of all appliances included as part of your contract, test the oven, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, trash compactor, and any other appliances. If you expected that the washer and dryer, microwave, or sound systems be left behind, make sure these are also in working order.

Environmental Controls. Test heating, air conditioning, and the water heater to make sure everything is working properly.

Safety Features. Verify that carbon monoxide monitors and smoke detectors are working properly.

The Extras. If window treatments, lighting fixtures, or other items are included in the home purchase, make sure they are present. Likewise, verify that all belongings, trash, and any other items else that shouldn’t be there have been removed.

Documents. Any records that should be left with the home should be in your possession once you move in. This includes any blueprints or records of remodeling or major repairs as well as manuals for appliances and household systems. To make sure the previous owner leaves what you need, have your agent request ahead of time that these documents be made available to you.

Time for the Keys! Many people opt to change the door locks and garage codes on a new home, but you’ll want to make sure that you have all current keys, including those to sheds and outbuildings or mailboxes. Verify that you also have all garage door openers.

A diligent seller will have left the home clean enough to move into, but now is the time to do a bit of cleaning of your own before your own belongings arrive. It’s also a smart time to paint or have floors refinished. Congratulations – you’re home!