| When buying a new house, one of the most | | | | trash are removed from the premises as this will |
| important steps before finalizing the home purchase | | | | become the buyer's responsibility once the closing |
| is conducting a final inspection - otherwise known as | | | | takes place. |
| a final walkthrough. Walkthroughs typically occur as | | | | The same does not apply when buying a re-sale |
| early as a few days or as late as a few hours from | | | | home: |
| closing on the home purchase. A home buyer may be | | | | When conducting a walkthrough, the buyer has to |
| cut up in all the home buying excitement and | | | | remember that the same rules do not apply when |
| sometimes fail to give a final good look at the home | | | | buying a re-sale home. In the case of a re-sale home, |
| they are purchasing. In the case of a new house, the | | | | it is advisable that once a decision has been made to |
| buyer may have chosen special upgrades or custom | | | | purchase the property, an immediate inspection by a |
| details to be installed during the construction time. | | | | certified Home Inspection company should be done. |
| During the walkthrough, the buyer can then confirm | | | | With a re-sale home or vacant home, a more |
| and document any modifications or repairs that needs | | | | thorough inspection should be done during a |
| to be done by the builder prior to closing. | | | | walkthrough, checking for areas or problems that |
| In order to conduct a proper walkthrough, here are | | | | may arise. This is especially true of homes that have |
| some pointers to keep in mind: | | | | been unoccupied for a certain period of time. In the |
| • Checklist: Make a check list of all the items | | | | case of a home that has occupants, the buyer will |
| or areas that need to be checked throughout the | | | | have the chance to discuss with the current owner |
| house, both inside as well as outside the house. | | | | any issues that have been spotted during the |
| • Sales Contract: Most important piece of | | | | inspection and have it rectified before the final closing. |
| document. Bring a copy of the sales contract at the | | | | Even though the buyer can bypass a walkthrough |
| time of the walkthrough to go over the details of | | | | altogether, it is extremely important as a buyer that |
| your sales contract. | | | | a proper walkthrough is done before finalizing the |
| • Home Warranty: Discuss with the home | | | | home purchase. It is also a way of making sure that |
| builder any home warranties that may be included in | | | | the buyer is not surprised by any problems big or |
| your purchase or have been purchased separately. | | | | small once they take possession of the home. |
| • Leaks: Run the water and flush toilets and | | | | Leave the emotions at the door and be focused: |
| check for leaks. Do the same whether it is a kitchen | | | | The buyer needs to keep their focus and realize that |
| or bathroom sink, look under sink cabinets for proper | | | | this is an important step in the home buying process. |
| plumbing. | | | | In spotting issues and getting them corrected, |
| • Fixtures: Check all light fixtures ensuring | | | | whether is a new home or a re-sale home, the buyer |
| that there is proper lighting. | | | | can save potential headaches and expenses in the |
| • Garage Door: Open and close the garage | | | | long run. Nevertheless, the purchase of a new home |
| door and check that it is working properly. | | | | should be an enjoyable process and one in which the |
| • Pool/Spa: Inspect areas such as the pool | | | | buyer should take pride. Taking steps to make that |
| and spa and most important make sure the pumps | | | | happen by conducting a proper walkthrough is a wise |
| are working correctly and that there is no visible | | | | step on the buyer's part. |
| leakage. | | | | - Search new homes, communities and new home |
| • Check attics, crawlspace or basements: | | | | builders online. Choose from thousands of home plans |
| These are areas that are ignored many times or | | | | available nationwide. View homes by floor plan, builder |
| omitted during the walkthrough process. | | | | or community. |
| • Debris/Trash: Make sure that all debris and | | | | |