Selling Your Home - Step 16 - Clear To Close AND Final Walk Through!

Home Buyers Ready To Close

A few days before the closing date, the buyer should get the Clear to Close from his or her mortgage lender.  This means the buyer’s mortgage has been approved and the attorneys can schedule the closing date.

Once a closing date, time and location have been scheduled by the attorneys, the buyer’s Realtor will schedule the final walk through of the property.  This usually takes place the day before closing and is a chance to make sure the property is still in the same condition it was  during the inspection and that we have fixed any agreed upon repairs.  In addition, all attached items such as shelving, light fixtures, curtain rods, etc. are required to stay and transfer with the property so the buyer checks that those items are still there as well. 

The final walk through usually occurs the night before closing or the morning of closing and is a chance for the buyer and the buyer’s Realtor to walk through the property and make sure it’s in the same condition as it was during the inspection.  Generally the walk through takes about 30 minutes and I attend in case any problems come up. It’s best if you are completely moved out and the home has been thoroughly cleaned by the time the walk through occurs.

Here’s what the final walk through is:

• A second chance for the buyer to make sure all of the appliances are still working

• An opportunity to make sure you didn’t damage anything while moving out 

• A time to make sure the property is clean

• When we explain to the buyer what day the trash is picked up, where the parking is, etc.

Here is what the final walk through IS NOT:

• It’s not a time to have the buyer’s parents, friends, etc. come look at the property or for contractors give them estimates, etc.  All of that can wait until the next day once they’ve officially bought the property.  

• It’s not a time for the buyer to begin moving boxes or other items in to the property. That has to wait until after closing.

• It’s not when the buyer receives the keys.  Instead, at the end of the walk through we will give the buyer’s Realtor the keys and garage door opener and the buyer’s Realtor will give those items to the buyer at the end of closing.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the final walk through.  We’re almost there!