"Door County Real Estate" by: Kevin Nordahl, REALTOR®
What NOT to Overlook on a Final Walk-Through
Closing day is finally here. You have been back and forth with the bank for what seems like the thousandth time. The appraiser says you are getting a good deal so your bank calls you and says they have a check for the full amount ready to go. All of the title work is prepared for your signature. Your home inspection has been tended to and everything is a-okay. Your REALTOR has even wrapped your closing gift. There’s only one thing left to do before signing on the dotted line - the final walk-through.
A final walk-through is a privilege granted to a purchaser in the offer to purchase. The walk-through (referred to in the offer to purchase as a Pre-closing Inspection), must be pre-arranged with the Seller or Seller’s agent within three days before the date scheduled for closing. The purpose of the inspection is to warrant no major damage has occurred to the property and that items of inclusion and exclusion are satisfactorily apportioned.
To the extent of your personal pre-closing inspection, be sure that:
repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties.
all items that were included in the sale price—draperies, lighting fixtures—are still there.
screens and storm windows are in place or stored.
all appliances are operating.
intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.
hot water heater is working.
HVAC is working.
no plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.
garage door opener and other remotes are available.
instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are there.
all personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed.
If major damage has occurred prior to closing refer to your Offer to Purchase contract. There are provisions under the heading “Property Damage Between Acceptance and Closing” that determine what compensation you may be entitled to. It is a very rare instance where damage is so severe so as to terminate a transaction.
Kevin Nordahl is a life-long resident of Door County, a REALTORŪ and a member of the Door County MLS. He is a Past President of the Door County Board of REALTORS® and a Senior Sales Consultant at Coldwell Banker Door County Horizons in Fish Creek. He may be reached online at knordahl@doorcountyrealestate.com or by phone at (920) 493-4004.
Kevin Nordahl is a life-long resident of Door County, a REALTORŪ and a member of the Door County MLS. He is a Past President of the Door County Board of REALTORS® and a Senior Sales Consultant at Coldwell Banker Door County Horizons in Fish Creek. He may be reached online at