Timing for the Final Walk-Through Before Closing on a New Home

The short and only answer is “as long as it takes.” A final walk-through of a new home, typically completed 24 to 48 hours before closing, is an essential step to ensure everything aligns with your expectations and the agreed-upon conditions.

Completing a final walk-through as close to the closing as possible helps address any last-minute issues. For instance, if an issue is noticed on the day of closing, it might be challenging to prove its origins or responsibility post-sale. Your word against the seller could leave you in a challenging position.

Why a Final Walk-Through is Important

During the final walk-through, you need to verify that the property is in the agreed-upon condition, all repairs have been completed, and no new issues have arisen. It’s also important to ensure that the house has been maintained and no items have been removed that were not part of the sales agreement. Any unfinished work, such as holes in the walls left by the builder, should be addressed.

Tips for Timing the Final Walk-Through

We recommend scheduling the final walk-through anywhere from 3 to 5 days before the actual recording of the sale. However, it is crucial to secure the promise of the recording date or closing time. A walk-through two to three days before closing ensures that all promised work is completed, and any expected items, like carpet removal or wall repairs, have been handled.

What to Consider During the Walk-Through

Depending on when the final walk-through is conducted, certain considerations might arise. If the walk-through is on the day of closing, like in the case of the author, immediate attention to paperwork is necessary.

For example, if you notice a carpet stain during the move-out process, proving that it was present at the time of move-in might be challenging after closing. The seller’s word might hold more weight, making it essential to have your agent present to verify any issues.

Common Issues and Solutions

Home builders or sellers often do the final walk-through about a week before closing, allowing them to complete any last-minute details. If you're building a home, minor issues might still be present. If you're not comfortable with this, you might consider delaying the closing until everything is completed. However, most people choose to move forward because most builders will make significant efforts to complete all the work on time.

If a builder is unable to finish everything by the planned closing date, trust becomes a critical factor. If they cannot complete the work in a timely manner, it reflects on their reliability, and you may need to consider the impact on the closing process.

Conclusion

The timing of the final walk-through is crucial. It should be conducted as close to closing as possible to ensure that all agreed-upon conditions are met. Having your agent present for verification is essential, and it is wise to consider the possibility of scheduling the walk-through slightly closer to the closing date to address any last-minute concerns.