If you’re in the market to buy a home, you’ve likely heard of walk-throughs and home inspections. What you may not realize is that they’re not the same. The purpose of a final walk-through is to allow you to confirm that the property is in the same condition now as when you last saw it. It also serves as an opportunity for you to request that the sellers make small repairs or modifications before the closing.
The buyer and their real estate agent are the ones who typically attend the final walk-through. The seller and their realtor generally aren’t there. This type of arrangement allows the buyer to inspect the home without any undue pressures from the seller. If the house is new construction, then the builder or contractor can attend this final walk-through.
Final walk-throughs should be scheduled just before the closing and generally happen within 24 hours before the closing. There are some instances in which a natural disaster such as a fire, earthquake, hurricane or tornado may occur before the closing. Homebuyers agree to accept a property as-is once they sign on the dotted line on closing day, so they must do a walk-through to verify that it remains acceptable.
You mustn’t be in a hurry when doing a final walk-through. You should instead allot anywhere from 15 minutes to a full hour to complete the process. You should voice any concerns you may have during the process, even if they may result in a delayed closing.
If you’re closing on a Georgia property, then it’s essential to be familiar with the final walk-through process and what to expect to come from it. An experienced attorney in Augusta can help explain the process to you and ensure that your rights are fully protected.