What is a Walk-Through
Inspection and When is it Done?
The purpose of the walk-through inspection on the day of settlement or several days prior to settlement is to determine if all conditions in the contract are satisfied. The time for the buyer to inspect and note defects for correction by the seller is during the contract negotiations and prior to signing the sales agreement. Repair or replacement items should be noted in the contract or contingent on a house inspection, otherwise, most resale homes are sold in “as is” condition. It is up to the buyer to perform the walk-through inspection, not the seller, who may or may not be present. The buyer should be accompanied by the selling agent. The home seller should be sure utilities are on so that equipment can be operated.
The buyer should carefully check out everything in the home. This includes all lights and switches, all faucets, including showers and toilets. You will also want to turn on the furnace and central air conditioning. during the off-season, the buyer should hire a professional to certify proper functioning of both heating and air conditioning. You will want to test all stove burners, oven at bake and broil. You can run some ice cubes through garbage disposal to test the blades. You will want to run the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer through their complete cycles. Open and close all windows and doors, too. In short, try everything, even keys and the fireplace flue. All deficiencies should be noted, and funds may be withheld from the home seller by the settlement attorney for repairs, if seller does not correct problems prior to settlement. The selling broker will coordinate with the listing broker and seller to make repairs before settlement, if possible. Upon receipt of bills and notification that repairs are complete, the attorney will release balance of funds to the seller, if money is escrowed for needed repairs.