VIDEO BLOG
When it comes to the final walkthrough in real estate transactions, effective communication and managing expectations are key for a smooth experience, whether you're representing the buyer or the seller. Let’s go into the crucial expectations from both parties to ensure there are no surprises on the big day.
For buyers, the final walkthrough is a moment of anticipation, hoping to find the home in impeccable condition. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Home condition. Buyers expect the home to be in great shape with no unexpected damages caused by the movers.
2. Fixture and belongings. All fixtures and personal belongings that are supposed to stay in the home should be present during the walkthrough.
3. Manuals, warranties, service providers, and garage door openers. It's essential to leave out any manuals, factory warranties, service providers and garage door openers and codes, and other necessary items for the new homeowners.
Sellers play a pivotal role in meeting certain criteria to ensure a successful final walkthrough. Here's what sellers should focus on:
1. Cleanliness. The home should be swept, cleaned, and tidied.
2. Empty cupboards and appliances. Cupboards, refrigerator, freezers, and other storage areas should be cleaned out and emptied.
3. Attic check. Sellers need to ensure that the attic is cleared of any personal belongings, avoiding last-minute surprises.
To illustrate the importance of meeting these expectations, let's take the example of a recent $3.1 million home sale. The closing was scheduled for a Tuesday, and on Monday night, the sellers were still in the process of moving out. To mitigate potential issues, a crucial reminder was given over the weekend: if the sellers weren't completely moved out by Monday night, all belongings had to be in the garage.
This foresight allowed for a professionally cleaned and empty house during Tuesday morning's final walkthrough, leaving no room for unexpected complications. Resolving any lingering matters in the garage before closing proved to be a much smoother process than dealing with items left in the house.
Whether you're representing the buyer or the seller, ensuring the property is in the expected condition during the final walkthrough sets the stage for a seamless closing. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email.
