Walkthroughs: A time well spent before closing on a new home.

When buying a new house, one of the mosttrash are removed from the premises as this will
important steps before finalizing the home purchasebecome the buyer's responsibility once the closing
is conducting a final inspection - otherwise known astakes place.
a final walkthrough. Walkthroughs typically occur asThe same does not apply when buying a re-sale
early as a few days or as late as a few hours fromhome:
closing on the home purchase. A home buyer may beWhen conducting a walkthrough, the buyer has to
cut up in all the home buying excitement andremember that the same rules do not apply when
sometimes fail to give a final good look at the homebuying a re-sale home. In the case of a re-sale home,
they are purchasing. In the case of a new house, theit is advisable that once a decision has been made to
buyer may have chosen special upgrades or custompurchase 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 confirmWith a re-sale home or vacant home, a more
and document any modifications or repairs that needsthorough 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 aremay 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 itemscase of a home that has occupants, the buyer will
or areas that need to be checked throughout thehave 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 ofinspection and have it rectified before the final closing.
document. Bring a copy of the sales contract at theEven though the buyer can bypass a walkthrough
time of the walkthrough to go over the details ofaltogether, it is extremely important as a buyer that
your sales contract.a proper walkthrough is done before finalizing the
• Home Warranty: Discuss with the homehome purchase. It is also a way of making sure that
builder any home warranties that may be included inthe 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 andLeave the emotions at the door and be focused:
check for leaks. Do the same whether it is a kitchenThe buyer needs to keep their focus and realize that
or bathroom sink, look under sink cabinets for properthis is an important step in the home buying process.
plumbing.In spotting issues and getting them corrected,
• Fixtures: Check all light fixtures ensuringwhether 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 garagelong 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 poolbuyer should take pride. Taking steps to make that
and spa and most important make sure the pumpshappen by conducting a proper walkthrough is a wise
are working correctly and that there is no visiblestep 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 oravailable nationwide. View homes by floor plan, builder
omitted during the walkthrough process.or community.
• Debris/Trash: Make sure that all debris and