10 Important Things To Look For When Walking Through a House

What is a Walk through?

Every home buyer should know what a walk through is. It's not that too technical for someone who knows little about real estate industry because it's a must-do when buying a house.

A walk through is necessary to make sure the house you're buying is in good condition and free of costly surprises before you sign the closing documents.

You don't need to study anything to do a good walk through because all you need is to check the house for damages, repairs or revisions you would want to request from the seller.

Why do you need a final walk through?

We know you do not want to buy a house with tons of defects, so do not skip your final walk through to the house to avoid not-so-good surprises. You haven't seen the property for few weeks or months after your last site visit. There could be few changes during the house construction or damages caused by different factors like typhoons, floods, etc.

Remember this, sellers' number one purpose is sales. Not all of them really care about if you get the quality home you want or not. Their concern is to provide you what's in the papers, if you want it then you're all good to go. If you don't, then there's more work for them to do. So, you're the only person left who is 200% concern about the property you're going to buy.

A final walk through is necessary especially when buying newly-constructed houses in the Philippines. Keep in mind that your first property visit, you checked on the house models, which is finished and fully-furnished. These model houses are extremely attractive and dazzling to the eyes, but this will not be the actual property you're going to buy. Unless, of course, if you request the seller to include the house design. This could cost you additional fees, but less work in building the home you want.

On your first walk through, do not skip anything and just check it on your next visit because your first walk through could be your final check. After you confirm to the seller that you're good with the house, signing the closing document will be next. There will be no more final walk through. Once you sign the papers, you will be accountable to all what is in the house.

So, take note of these things when you go to a walk through in the house.

What should you look for in a walk through?

A walk through the house is the final step you need to do in buying the property. After months or years of searching for the right house, you are now one step closer to your dream home. You would not dare to waste all your efforts in finding this when you discover flaws that you could have seen before you close the deal. Do not forget to bring a copy of the contract to check every detail included in the agreement.

To help you not to end up disappointed and frustrated on your long-waited house, here's a list of important things you should look into when you walk through the house:

1. Check the exterior and interior of the house. Start outside from landscaping, walkways and driveways.
   
   
2. Make sure the house is in clean condition.
   
   
3. Bring a flashlight to check areas like, closets, attics, basement and other tight spaces.
   
   
4. The seller has done the required revisions, repairs or if you have any special request or instruction about the design. Make sure everything is completed.
   
   
5. Seller should not leave behind any of his/her personal property, unless it is included in the purchase agreement.
   
   
6. If you bought a fully-furnished house, run appliances and check furniture defects.
   
   
7. Ask for the manuals and warranties of appliances, furnace, air-conditioner, and other electronics. Make sure everything is working properly.
   
   
8. Check water and electricity connections, from lights, fans, toilets and sink.
   
   
9. Check windows and doors for security purposes.
   
   
10. Ask the seller for the complete set of keys to every door of the house, garage and gate, if there's any.