Your offer has been accepted, your finances are in order, and you're eagerly anticipating signing the final documents to officially own your dream home! Before the contracts are finalized, however, you'll need to perform one final walk-through of the property to ensure everything is in acceptable condition.

Even though the appraiser and inspector have already completed their assessments, it's still important that you give the interior and exterior of your soon-to-be home one last thorough examination. Here are seven things that we believe should be on your final walk-through checklist.

1. Inspect the grounds.
   Let's face it — with so much to inspect throughout the interior of the house, a detailed inspection of the exterior may fall to the wayside. However, it's important that you confirm that the condition of the yard is the same as you first saw it. Walk the grounds to make sure that exterior lighting, sprinkler equipment, foliage, and other items have not been removed. At the same time, you can also see if recent weather like rain or strong winds has damaged the exterior.
   
   
2. Confirm that all requested repairs have been completed properly.
   Keep your inspection summary on-hand as you review all of the agreed-upon areas that needed repairs. There should be copies of all receipts and warranties for each job, and each area should be fully functional. Do not sign off on a home if a repair is still in progress or hasn't been fixed to your standards.
   
   
3. Double check that everything still works.
   It's wise to check that everything in the home still works. This involves doing more than verifying that all appliances and plumbing are functioning. You should check all electrical sources to confirm that the current is present. Open, close, and lock all doors and windows to make sure the home is safely secured as well.
    
4. Search all storage spaces to discover anything that was left behind.
   Unfortunately, a seller may purposely or accidentally leave behind supplies or trash in various locations around the home. You'll need to do more than check only the closets, garage, and exterior sheds. By inspecting crawlspaces, attics, cupboards, and drawers throughout the house, you can ensure that hazardous or dangerous materials like paint cans, insulation, or other unwanted items are responsibly discarded before you move in.
    
5. Search for anything that may be missing.
   Make sure you perform your inspection with your contract in hand. This purchase agreement will list everything that is and is not included with the home sale. Verify that each item listed is not only present but that it is also in the same condition as it was agreed upon. If blinds were part of the agreement but were damaged when the seller moved out, you'll want these to be repaired or replaced before you finalize the contract.  
   
   
6. Check top to bottom for pests, mold, and other damage.
   Inspect each room from floor to ceiling making sure there is no damage or presence of pests, rodents, mold, mildew, or water collection. Spot check the floor, walls, and ceiling for water spots, especially in the bathrooms and kitchen. Inspect and test all pieces of plumbing to see if there are any water leaks. If you see any droppings, bite marks, or signs of pests, immediately notify your agent.
   
   
7. Question anything and everything with seller and real estate agent.
   Finally, make a list of questions or areas of the home you'd like to know about in more detail, such as fixtures or appliances that have been repaired. Your agent will be happy to help you get all of the information you need so you can be confident about your home purchase.

For more tips on your final home inspection walk-through for Excelsior homes for sale, feel free to contact Homes by Joel today.