Buying a home is one of the most exciting things a person or couple can do. When you purchase a new home, you are entering into a new phase of your life, as well as making a commitment, as presumably, you will be living there for a long time. However, before you purchase your home, there are several steps you must take, such as hiring a qualified home inspector. Once you are ready to commit, you will have the opportunity to take a final walkthrough or a final inspection. Essentially, a final inspection is for you to ensure that nothing has changed since you had your home inspected, and that everything else meets the terms negotiated between you and the seller. Here are some of the things you should look for in your final walkthrough:

  • Floorboards and carpets: Take your time to check for any creaky or loose floorboards or lumps in carpeting that may pose a problem down the road. Remember, it is always best to get these issues ironed out now as opposed to later, after you have purchased your home!
  • Test faucets, showers, and more: Though your home inspector should test the quality of your water, he or she may not test each and every drain for leaks. 
  • Ensure all appliances are in working condition: When a seller includes stovetops, refrigerators, and more in the deal, they must be all up-to-date and ready to go. If they are not, you should point this out. Both you and the current homeowner must hold up your end of the deal.
  • Check for missing property: Sometimes, when you have negotiated for certain appliances or personal property, the seller may either forget and take the item themselves, or he or she may outwardly try and get away with taking the item purposefully. All negotiated terms must be met.
  • Left-behind or abandoned items: On the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes a homeowner will leave behind various tools, paint, and more, perhaps to avoid throwing it out himself, or maybe even thinking you would appreciate having some extra tools lying around. However, you may be left with junk that is nothing more than a burden to dispose of, so if you notice anything you want to go, you can point that out in a final inspection as well.
  • All negotiated repairs have been made: If a homeowner agreed to fix or repair any issues previously addressed, you must ensure he or she made all the necessary repairs before you finalize your agreement.

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The Lauterbach Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout Rockland County who are faced with legal matters related to estate planning, real estate, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant law, business law, and criminal defense. If you require the services of an experienced team of attorneys, contact The Lauterbach Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.