House Walk-Through Is Not Just A Tour, 5 Things You Want To Check With Your Agent At The Final Walk-Through
What to Check at a House Walk-Through
A house walk-through is your final chance to make sure that the house you're buying is in the condition you expect it to be in before you close on the deal. It's important to take your time and be thorough during the walk-through, so you can spot any potential problems that could cost you money or headaches down the road.
Here are some things you should check at your house walk-through
The foundation and exterior: Look for cracks, uneven floors, or signs of water damage. See the house from outside as well. Check if there is a broken window, hand rail to door way, collapsing fences, if the roof looks even, and others as well.
The roof: If you are comfortable and safe to do, it’s a good idea to climb up to the roof and see the details. Check for missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and sagging.
The windows and doors: Make sure they open and close easily and that the locks work properly.
The plumbing: Turn on all the faucets and flush the toilets to make sure there are no leaks. If dish washer comes with the house, operate short cycle and see if water comes out easily and drains well.
The electrical system: Check for flickering lights, loose outlets, and any exposed wires.
The HVAC system: Turn on the heat and air conditioning to make sure they're working properly.
The appliances: Test all of the appliances, including the dishwasher, oven, range, refrigerator, and washer and dryer.
The fireplace: If the house has a fireplace, make sure the damper opens and closes easily and that there is no creosote buildup.
The garage: Check for cracks in the foundation, leaks, and the condition of the garage door opener. Make sure there is no hazardous waste stored.
In addition to the above, you should also:
Bring a copy of the home inspection report with you. This will help you remember what issues were identified during the inspection and make sure that they have been repaired if the issue was discussed to be fixed by the seller.
Take your time. Don't feel rushed during the walk-through. Take your time to look at everything carefully.
Ask questions. If you see anything that you're not sure about, be sure to ask your real estate agent or the seller.
Don't be afraid to walk away. If you're not happy with the condition of the house, you don't have to buy it.
Things to Pay Attention to When Buying a House
In addition to the things you should check at a house walk-through, there are also a few other things you should pay attention to when buying a house.
The neighborhood: Take a walk around the neighborhood and get a feel for the area. Talk to the neighbors if you can to get their perspective on the neighborhood. Visit the neighborhood in the morning, afternoon, and after dinner time. By doing so, you will find more detailed features of the neighborhood.
The school district: If you have children, you'll want to make sure that the house is in a good school district.
The commute: Think about how long it will take you to get to work and school from the house.
The cost of living: Consider the cost of things like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utilities.
Your needs and wants: Make sure the house is the right size for you and your family and that it has the features you're looking for.
Buying a house is a big decision, so it's important to do your research and make sure you're making the right choice. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help ensure that you find the perfect house for you and your family.
I hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Additional tips:
Hire a good real estate agent. A good real estate agent can help you find the right house, negotiate the best price, and guide you through the closing process.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you know how much you can afford to borrow and will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
Don't overspend. It's important to stick to your budget and not overspend on a house.
Be patient. Finding the right house may take some time, so be patient and don't settle for something you're not happy with.
Buying a house is a big decision, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help ensure that you find the perfect house for you and your family.
