Before You Buy: Smart Steps Every Homebuyer Should Take

There can be a lot of pressure when buying a home, especially in areas that are super expensive or with markets whose competition is fierce. Timing can be everything when you decide to sell your house. It is best to know the right time to sell your house. This can determine how much the house sells for and how quickly it sells. The housing markets can be influenced by a variety of factors, which may affect the market as a whole. Consumer behaviour is majorly influenced by seasonal trends. These seasonal changes also allow you to know which time is the best time to sell your house.

When selling a home, you need to make sure that the house remains in the same condition as when you made the offer for it. If at all, a seller is doing any negotiated repairs or improvements, you would want to make sure that they are done correctly. Keep in mind that a seller cannot legally deny a buyer the opportunity for a final walk-through.

Walk-Through vs. Home Inspection

When you get ready for the final walk-through, it is important to remember that it won’t be an official home inspection with no fee being involved. This is more of an opportunity to see and verify for any issues that catch your eye during the inspection. Your real estate agent will usually accompany you for the final walk-through and bring along key documents. This will ensure that everything is in order. This may also include the inspection report, the seller’s disclosure statement, and any repair agreements. Your agent should also request and carry receipts for any repairs completed after the inspection, so they can be verified on the spot.

Checklist for Final Walk-Through

During the final walk-through, there are many things you will need to keep an eye out for.

• Any repairs promised by the seller should be completed and satisfactory.
• Double-check the space to make sure all the belongings of seller have been moved out.
• All the fixtures, like appliances, etc., that are included in the agreement should be in good working condition. The seller should also leave manuals and instructions for appliances and major systems.
• All the doors and window locks should be in working condition.
• Make sure all the faucets are working, and the toilets flush properly with no plumbing leaks.
• Also, make sure that the air conditioning systems are working.
• Test all the light switches, plugs, and fans to see if all of them are working in good condition.
• Also, be sure to check for any damage on the walls, ceilings, and doorways; there should not be any damage from the seller’s move-out.
• If there is a yard, make sure it is free of any debris or damage.
• Check around the house for any damage that wasn’t previously there.
• Make sure to check if the seller left the garage door keys and the home keys with their real estate agent.

Scheduling Your Final Walk-Through

When It Happens

The final walk-through is usually scheduled within just 24 hours of closing to ensure the property is accessible.

Scheduling The Visit

Your agent coordinates with the seller’s agent, which ideally is the walk-through that happens just before closing or the night before.

What To Check

Use this time to confirm that repairs were properly done and the home is in an agreed-upon condition.

After The Walk-Through

Stay in touch with your agent. If problems arise, then they will be handled by the agent. They will handle it through negotiations. If everything looks good, then you will be cleared to close.

When Damage Happens Before Closing

If bad weather or an accident damages the home right before closing, you should request another quick check of the property. This helps to make sure you are not stuck paying for surprise repairs.

Handling New Problems

Finding issues does not always mean the deal is over. Most of the time, the seller can repair the damage or give you a credit at closing so you can take it later. In very rare cases, there are major problems that may delay your loan approval until all the repairs are done.

Deciding Whether to Move Forward

Cancelling a purchase agreement after the final check is usually difficult, depending on the contract. Unless the home’s condition has changed big time, then obviously you can cancel it. Small issues are often resolved by adjusting the price.

What To Do Next

Keep in close touch with your agent if you notice any kind of damage. They can negotiate with the seller to make sure the issue is addressed before you sign it.