You are almost done! You have checked out numerous homes for sale, found a place that you love, negotiated on a fair price, and completed all the paperwork for your new mortgage. The process of buying a home can seem tedious at times, but you have finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, there is just one more step that stands between you and closing on your new house – the final walk-through.

Now, we know you are likely a little exhausted by this point. Between agreeing on numbers, reviewing home inspections, and securing the financing that you need, it has been a busy time. In fact, you are probably ready to just run to the closing and be done! However, attending the final walk-through is one task that you do not want to overlook. This is your chance to make sure the sellers have done everything expected of them to have the house ready for you, before you are committed to making the monthly mortgage payments.

To help guide you through the process, following are a few important details to keep in mind during your final walk-through.

Have the interior and exterior of the home been packed up and cleaned out?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many sellers leave things behind when they are moving. To ensure that you are not left with cleaning up someone else’s junk, you want to check out both inside and outside. If big items have been left behind that you do not want around, now is the time to give them a call and have it removed right away.

Have all the requested repairs been made?
The final walk-through is also your chance to make sure all the requested repairs that were identified during the home inspection have been addressed. Maybe you wanted the sellers to repair a few windows, fix the gas fireplace, and clean out the gutters. Bring the list with you so you don’t forget what items you need to review.

Are the items included in the purchase still present?
You also want to double-check that the sellers have left any items that were included in the purchase contract. This could include kitchen appliances, washing machine and dryer, and maybe even some furniture items that you requested.

Is there any new damage to the home?
You may have checked out the house several times before, but there are certain areas that are not visible until the sellers have removed everything. Are you just now noticing a big spot on the floor that had been previously covered with a rug? Did the movers put a large hole in the wall? Now is your chance to ask questions and figure out what’s going on.