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The final walk-through of the home can be one of the most important steps for both buyers and sellers in the home transaction process, but it can also be one of the most nerve-wracking.
The final inspection usually takes place a few hours before closing and is the buyer and their agent’s last chance to inspect the home and make sure there are no issues.
Final inspections usually go smoothly, but sometimes problems can arise that can derail a deal entirely. Here are 10 of the most common issues that can derail a deal:
1. There Are Debris in the House
Unless otherwise agreed, the seller should completely clear the mess before the final inspection. If there is only a can of paint or a few bags of trash left, this is not a problem, but if there is too much trash, the buyer may ask the seller to come back and clean it up.
2. The House is a Mess
The general agreement is that the seller will leave the home clean, which is a vague term that can mean different things to different people. The home doesn’t necessarily need to be spotless, but it shouldn’t look like a disaster area either. Ideally, the home should look ready for the new owner to move in.
3. The Repairs Agreed Upon Have Not Been Completed
When the buyer and seller negotiate repairs or renovations, they should expect everything to be completed at the time of the final inspection. If a little extra time is needed due to unforeseen circumstances, the seller should notify the buyer before closing.
4. Personal Property Included in the Transaction is Missing
Did the seller take away items that they promised to keep, such as light fixtures, drapes, and furniture that you wanted to buy with the house? These things are a surefire way to stall a deal or cause a dispute.
5. The Lawn is Not Mowed
Generally, real estate contracts require the seller to maintain the lawn until closing. That doesn't mean everything has to be manicured, but if the grass is five feet tall or wilts during escrow, that's a problem.
6. Water and Electricity Supply Cut Off
Often, real estate contracts stipulate that water and electricity must be available at the time of the final inspection, and if there is no electricity or running water during the inspection, you may technically be in breach of the contract.
7. Home Appliances Are Not Functioning Properly
The final inspection is an opportunity for the buyer to test all appliances included in the deal to verify that they are in working order. If any appliance is found to be non-functional, the seller can be asked to pay for its repair.
8. There is Significant Damage to the Wall
Did the seller cause damage to the wall when removing a wall-mounted TV, artwork, or home automation device? This can be a big problem.
9. The Heating and Cooling System Does Not Work Properly
The buyer should test the home's heating and cooling to see if they are functioning satisfactorily. If not, the buyer may need to negotiate with the seller for repair costs or a price adjustment.
10. Damage to the House During the Relocation Process
If the seller caused any damage to the home when they moved out, that would require an appraisal, and in some cases it might be worth asking the seller for the cost of repairs.
