Q: I'm going through escrow and I'm nervous that I'm going to miss some big issues that I might not have thought of and end up with a big headache after escrow closes. What should I be looking for during my final walkthrough?
--Ashley, Pasadena
A: Ashley, that's a great question. Obviously, buying a home is a huge deal, and nobody wants to sign themselves over to a house with a ton of unexpected problems! That's why you've got to come PREPARED to your final walkthrough and catch any sneaky little issues that might be flying under the radar. Here's what I recommend before you sign those papers and move into your new place:
- Make sure everything you agreed would be there is actually there!
- And on the other hand, if the seller agreed that certain things would be removed from the house before the close of escrow, make sure they're actually gone.
- Did you request any repairs be made? If so, make sure everything is in tip-top shape.
- This one's important: BRING YOUR INSPECTOR WITH YOU so you can have a professional sign off on any work that's been done.
- Do a final test of light switches, appliances, and heating and cooling systems just to make sure everything still works.
- Make sure you have the owner's manuals for any new appliances.
- Open and shut all the doors and windows. Do they seal properly? They'd better!
- Make sure the fly screens are put back on the windows. Sellers tend to take them off when they put the home up for sale because they ain't so pretty. But they're useful!
If you're not 100% happy about something, TELL YOUR REALTOR IMMEDIATELY. It doesn't mean that escrow is going to be held up; all it means is that the document will be "open" until everything gets resolved. You want your transition to your new home to be as happy and stress-free as possible; your realtor is there to make that happen!
For a little more detailed dive, check out my video on the topic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXVvFwSoTsw
Thanks, Ashley, and good luck--I hope your final walkthrough is perfect and that everything closes smoothly! See you next week with more answers to your burning NELA real estate questions!
Got a real estate/neighborhood question? Email me at askjo@theokeygroup.com. Interested in seeing homes currently on the market in NELA/on the eastside? Check here: http://www.jorealestate.com/idx/search/
See you next week!