Before moving day comes “closing”
day - the day you sign all the papers,
pay for your new home, and receive a
deed. Are there any last-minute items
you should address?
Since most buyers gain occupancy of
their new home on the date the
transaction closes, it makes sense to
take a close look at the home just before
closing. Have the previous owners
moved out? Is the house clean and
ready for move-in? Have repairs
required under the purchase contract
been completed? In other words, once
you’ve closed the transaction, will it
really be moving day?
This closer look is known as a “walkthrough.”
A good time to arrange it is
either the day before or the day of the
closing. It is generally an informal
inspection of the home to be certain
there are no surprises later. If
substantial repairs were to have been
completed, these should have been
checked earlier, before the walkthrough.
Although it is not intended to be a
complete re-inspection, you should feel
free to look through any area of the
house. If glaring inconsistencies are
evident, bring them up immediately,
and expect them to be corrected before
you close.
Minor annoyances such as boxes left in
the garage, or a utility room that wasn’t
scrubbed clean after removing the
appliances should not delay the
closing. You can overlook the
inconvenience, or request the sellers
correct it in short order.
