You’ve finally found a place to buy and the offer has been accepted. Settlement is underway. Thank goodness you never need to attend another inspection again. Right? Wrong. You should go through the property one last time to ensure everything is in order.
Here’s what to look for:
- Is everything present and accounted for?
The purpose of a final walk through is to ensure everything that is listed on your contract is present and accounted for. Never assume. Go through the contract and check the inclusions are all present – and all work. Check light fittings, stoves, mirrors, window dressings. Sometimes vendors will take them for sentimental reasons, or because they didn’t realise they were in the contract.
- Is anything going to delay settlement?
If you do find items missing or broken, the vendor is technically in breach of contract. Strictly speaking, this means you shouldn’t settle. But don’t panic.
Weigh up how big the issue is. Don’t be overly pedantic. Advise the real estate agent and see if they can broker a solution. If they cannot, contact your lawyer and inform them of the situation. They can then contact the vendor’s legal team and inform them of your concerns. Missing items can be replaced or the replacement value agreed upon.
- Are there any unwanted extras?
Your final inspection is also a chance to find out if any unwanted or undesirable items have been left behind. Is there a garage full of rubbish? A pile of building material down the side? Now is your one and only chance to get the situation rectified in your favour. You are within your rights to request that the situation is resolved or delay settlement until it is.
- Is it clean and presentable?
Your new home should be clean and tidy. The kitchen should be spotless, the oven should be clean, stoves free of grease and grime. Bathrooms should sparkle even if they are outdated. There’s no excuse for grot. It is the vendors responsibility to clean it fast or compensate you financially if the property is filthy. The agent may be able to assist by getting in a cleaner quickly if time is of the essence.
- Test the appliances
Turn on the stove, oven and hot water. Test the airconditioning. Where is the remote to the garage? Do automatic blinds actually work? Advise the agent if any of these elements are missing or broken as they will also need to be accommodated for at settlement time.