The closing table is in sight. Contracts are signed, financing is secured, and the keys to your new property in New York or New Jersey are nearly yours. But before funds change hands, there is one crucial final step: the verification walk-through.
This is not a home inspection. The time for negotiating major defects has passed. Instead, the final walk-through is your opportunity to ensure the property's condition has not changed since your contract date, that agreed-upon repairs were completed professionally, and that everything included in the sale is present.
In our competitive local markets, details matter. Use this checklist to ensure your investment is protected right up to the final signature.
1. The Essentials: Systems & Utilities
Do not just glance around rooms. Actively test the fundamental systems of the home to ensure no issues have arisen since the inspection.
- Electrical: Flip light switches on and off in every room. Bring a small phone charger to spot-check outlets.
- Plumbing: Turn on all faucets (hot and cold), flush every toilet, and check under sinks for active leaks.
- HVAC: Turn on the heat and the air conditioning (weather permitting) to ensure they engage and run for a few minutes.
- Appliances: Briefly run the dishwasher, test stove burners, turn on the oven, and check that the refrigerator/freezer is cold.
2. Verifying Repairs & Inclusions
Bring your contract of sale and inspection addendum with you. This is the moment to verify that contractual obligations have been met.
- Agreed-Upon Repairs: Have professional receipts been provided for all negotiated repairs? visually inspect the work to ensure it was done in a workmanlike manner.
- Fixtures & Inclusions: Are the custom chandeliers, window treatments, or specific appliances listed in the contract still in place? Sellers sometimes mistakenly pack items that were meant to stay.
3. General Condition & Move-Out Damage
Moving is chaotic, and sometimes damage occurs as sellers vacate the premises. Ensure the home is in "broom-clean" condition as typically required by NY and NJ contracts.
- Cleanliness: Is the property free of debris, trash, and personal belongings (unless otherwise agreed)?
- Walls & Floors: Check for significant holes in walls from removed artwork or deep scratches on hardwood floors caused by moving furniture.
- Windows & Doors: Ensure all windows open, close, and lock properly.
- Exterior: Do a quick perimeter check. Are gutters still attached? Is there any new, obvious damage to the siding or landscaping?
If we discover significant issues during the walk-through, we will address them immediately with the seller's attorney before you sign the final closing documents. Your leverage is highest before the transaction is funded.
