How Important is a Final Walkthrough? Essential Home Buying Tips with Kelly Ham! скачать в хорошем качестве

How Important is a Final Walkthrough? Essential Home Buying Tips with Kelly Ham!

So, you are finally at the finish line of your real estate journey! But before you celebrate, you need to master the Final Walkthrough. In this video, I’m sharing essential Home Buying Tips to ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. A final walkthrough is your absolute last line of defense before signing those closing papers. Think of it as checking your bag at the drive-thru; you want to make sure you have everything you ordered before you drive away! Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the final walkthrough process is vital. We will cover why you should never skip this step, how to verify repairs, and what to do if you find unexpected surprises. These home buying tips are designed to give you peace of mind so you can move into your new house with total confidence. Why the Final Walkthrough is Non-Negotiable Buying a home is likely the biggest financial investment of your life. When you are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, you cannot afford to "assume" everything is fine. The period between your initial inspection and the closing date can last several weeks. During that time, a lot can happen. Pipes can burst, appliances can be swapped, or moving crews can damage floors. This video breaks down the three primary reasons why this final step is the most important hour you will spend during the entire escrow process. We dive deep into the psychology of the seller, the physical state of the property, and the legal protections you have as a buyer. Reason 1: Verifying Repairs and Workmanship During the inspection contingency phase, you likely asked the seller to fix a few things. Maybe it was a leaky faucet, a faulty electrical panel, or a cracked window. The final walkthrough is your only chance to verify that these repairs were actually completed. I’ve seen it all—from professional contractors doing high-quality work to "Saturday morning DIY" jobs that barely hold together. If the seller agreed to a professional repair, you need to see the receipts and see the results with your own eyes. If that leaky sink is still dripping, you need to address it before you leave the house and head to the closing table. Reason 2: Condition Consistency (Where did the fridge go?) When you made your offer, the home was in a specific condition with specific fixtures included. It is a common misconception that everything stays with the house. However, per your contract, "real property" and agreed-upon "personal property" must remain. In this section of the video, we discuss: Fixture Swapping: Sometimes sellers take that beautiful designer chandelier and replace it with a cheap $20 light fixture from a big-box store. Missing Appliances: If the contract stated the refrigerator and washer/dryer stay, they better be there! New Damage: Moving heavy furniture is hard work. It’s not uncommon for movers to ding walls or scratch hardwood floors. If you don't catch this during the walkthrough, you’ll be the one paying to fix it later. Reason 3: Catching Last-Minute "Surprises" The stories I could tell you! From sellers leaving behind a garage full of old tires and hazardous paint cans to—believe it or not—a live cat left in the laundry room. The home should be "broom clean," meaning all trash and personal belongings are removed. If you walk into the backyard and find a shed stuffed with mystery boxes, that is now your problem unless you catch it during the walkthrough. We talk about how to handle these awkward situations and how to ensure the seller clears the property entirely before the keys change hands. Your final walkthrough isn't just a formality or a chance to measure for curtains. It is a critical business meeting. I recommend doing this 3 to 5 days before closing. This gives the seller enough time to fix any last-minute issues, but it’s close enough to the closing date that new problems are unlikely to arise. By following these home buying tips, you ensure that you are getting exactly what you signed up for. No cold fries, no surprise cats, and no broken windows. Just the keys to your beautiful new home and the peace of mind you deserve. Let’s Get Moving! Real estate doesn't have to be stressful. It should be a celebration! As "The Dancing Broker," I pride myself on making the home-buying process smooth, transparent, and even a little bit fun. If you are looking to buy or sell in the near future, don't navigate the market alone. Let's dance through the process together! Connect with Kelly Ham (The Dancing Broker): 📞 Call: 360-440-6683 📧 Email: klham@johnlscott.com 🌐 Website: www.thedancingbroker.com 📍 Location: 19723 10th Ave. NE #200, Poulsbo, WA 98370 Contact me today, and let’s get you moving into your next home! #finalwalkthrough #homebuyingtips #realestate2026 #firsttimehomebuyer #KellyHam#thedancingbroker #closingday #realestatetips #homeownership #MortgageClosing #homeinspection #movingday #propertyinvestment