Walk-through Tips for Charlotte Home Buyers

You and your real estate agent will schedule your walk-through with the sellers of your new Charlotte home.  It is best to do this the afternoon/evening before the Closing or the morning of Closing.  The sellers should have been advised to have all personal items removed from the home and the home broom-clean prior to the walk-through.  As well, the home should be in the same condition as when you originally viewed it, with the exception of the repairs made following the inspections.  If this is not the case, your agent will address this with the seller’s agent or possibly the Closing attorney in an attempt to have the situation corrected immediately.

Whatever you do, you do not want to skip the walk-through!  Always attend the walk-through with your Realtor® if at all possible.  Be sure to check for any appliance manuals, garage door openers, neighborhood information or informative notebooks left.  A detailed homeowner will leave these things behind so that you will be able to have everything at your fingertips when you move in.  If they are not there, ask the sellers at the Closing table or have your agent request them from the sellers’ agent.

Details to observe in your walk-through should always include:

• Bring your camera or phone so that you are able to document any issues or unmade repairs that you may notice.
• Check repairs that the sellers agreed upon; the rest of the items are your responsibility.
• Check all major appliances as well as the garbage disposal and exhaust system in the kitchen to ascertain that they are working properly.
• Turn every single light fixture on and off.
• Run water in every sink and tub; be sure to check under the sinks for leaks.
• Flush all toilets, checking for any leaks and that the water stops running after a normal flush cycle.
• Check underneath the deck as this is a common ‘forgotten’ area that sellers typically miss.
• If the home has a basement, check there for moisture and items left behind.
• Check garage doors and openers.  Be certain that your agent has any combo code if the garage doors have an exterior combo box.
• Make sure that your agent tests the alarm system and has received the code from the sellers to give to you at Closing.
• Open and close all doors and windows.
• Inspect ceilings, wall and floors for integrity and any signs of water damage.
• Test heating and air conditioning systems (yes, test both, regardless of the time of the year!)