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