When you're buying a home, your final walk-through is an exciting moment. This is the crowning moment after months of research and negotiations to go through the property and confirm everything is in the condition you expect. Our real estate agentswill go through the home step-by-step with you to ensure the following items on this checklist are accounted for.

Structural Elements

• Roof condition - Make sure the roof, rafters, and shingles are in good condition and that there are no "soft spots" or signs of water damage, wood rot, or mold.
• Siding - Inspect siding for signs of damage, missing planks, mold, etc.
• Brickwork/Sidewalks -Look for damage including missing bricks, cracks in masonry, widening joints, crumbling mortar.
• Windows/Skylights- Examine windows, skylights, and frames for cracks, drafts, torn screens, and other damage. You will also want to ensure that all windows and skylights open/close correctly and that there are no signs of water damage.
• Flooring - Inspect all wood floors, carpet, laminate flooring, and tile for signs of water infiltration, mold, and discoloration. You will also want to note any signs of buckling or warping.
• Garage Floor - Note any cracks on the garage floor.
• Concrete Patios - Inspect patio for cracks, settling, chips, and other damage.
• Decks -Look for loose planks, loose handrails, missing boards, etc.
• Drywall - Inspect all drywall for signs of mold, insect infestations, holes, etc.
• Doors - Make sure all doors within the home open/close properly and that any interior door locks are functional.  
• Countertops/Cabinets - Inspect countertops and cabinets for warping, water damage, discoloration, and other damage. This is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens where high humidity levels can easily damage wooden elements.
• Repairs - Note condition and completion of any agreed-upon repairs.

Electrical/Lighting

• Interior Lights - Test all interior light fixtures to ensure they are functional.
• Exterior Lights - Make sure floodlights, security lights, and other exterior lighting elements are functional.
• Switches - Make sure all switches function and do not spark when turned on/off.
• Breaker Panel - Inspect all breakers to ensure that none are blown and that there are no signs of damage to the breaker box.
• Sockets - Ensure all electrical outlets are functional.

Appliances

• Kitchen - Inspect stove, dishwasher, oven, microwave, refrigerator for damage, and test forfunction.
• Laundry - Inspect washer/dryer for damage and function.
• Fireplace - Test gas fireplaces for function.
• Furnace - Inspect furnace and thermostat for damage and ensure that theseperformas expected.
• Air Conditioner - Turn the air conditioner on and ensure that air flows properly through the ventilation system.  
• Hot Water Heater - Look for signs of mold, rust, dents, and other damage.

* It's advisable to run dishwashers, washers, dryers, etc. through a full cycle.

Plumbing

• Toilets - Make sure all toilets flush and fill properly.
• Sinks - Test sinks for water flow and drainage.
• Showers/Bathtubs - Test fixtures for function and note any problems with flow or drainage.
• Irrigation System - Make sure sprinkler heads, control boxes, and drains are functional.

Landscaping

• Grass - Inspect grass for signs of pest infestation, disease, poor soil, etc.
• Trees/Shrubbery/Flowers - Make sure that all trees/shrubbery/flowers are accounted for and in healthy condition.
• Decor - Note the presence (or absence)of water features, sculptures, etc. within the landscape.  

Security

• Locks - Make sure all locks on doors and windows are functional and that keys have been provided for each lock in the home.
• Security System - Test security system to ensure all alarms, lights, and controls are functional.

Contact usfor more about the final walk-through. We're always happy to answer your questions and tell you what you can expect during the process.