BUYERS

You have finally gotten through underwriting and it is almost time to sign the paperwork for closing and get your keys, but there are a couple of things you should know about these final days of your real estate transaction.

 

First, you will be scheduled to do a final walk-through, which buyers are entitled to do according to most purchase agreements  This walk-through is an opportunity for you to verify that the repairs agreed upon in the inspection, if any, were done to your satisfaction, and also to be sure that the home hasn't changed in any remarkable way since writing the offer. 

 

As the buyer, you may ask your home inspector to come to this walk-through to verify that work was done in a professional manner.  There may be a fee associated with that, but if you are not an expert in home repairs this would be a worthy spend.

 

During this walk-through, you may also check that any trash or debris that is at the property has been hauled away.  In the spring, a seller should keep the lawn mowed, weeded, and green, provided that is how the house was listed.  In the winter, the seller should have the snow removed from the sidewalks and driveway.  

 

All appliances and systems should be in working order, or least the same order as they were at the time of the offer, unless otherwise agreed in writing per the purchase agreement. 

 

Buyers should also be aware of the items that must stay with the house: window treatments, drapes, light bulbs, garage door openers, trees, shrubs planted in the ground, etc.  There is a section in your purchase agreement that outlines what stays.  If you have questions, you can refer to the contract or call me to be sure. 

 

If you are satisfied with the condition of the house, we are ready to sign papers.  If something is not to your expectation, this is the time to address any concern.  Once we have closed and recorded the deed, the property is considered the buyer's, and we may not have any recourse.  If this occurs, you may need to speak with an attorney.  The best practice is never to skip this final walk-through.

 

So, make the right move and call, text, or email me... Dani Carpenter, for more information about the buyer's role in the final walk-through process.