The home you have been dreaming of is almost ready! Now, you and the builder will do what is called a walk through. On Pre-owned homes its a good idea to do the same and or do it when you have a home inspection! Many Buyers do not know what to look for during a pre-closing walk-through.

Some problems may not be visible; we suggest you hire a professional inspector to assist you. Fortunately, most builders offer a warranty to cover problems in the workmanship of a home.

Still, knowing what to look for in your pre-closing walk-through is a good way to catch potential problems. Always get a copy of the Disclosure Form # 17!! National Association of Homebuilders provide these helpful hints in their "punch list".

Outside

Grading: In the damp Northwest, drainage is particularly important. Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house? Make sure the water does not pond or pool in large puddles, especially near the foundation. Verify by, watering the areas with a hose. Are there signs of erosion? Is the shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation? If the house has a basement, are the basement window wells clean and graveled?

Roof and Gutters:

Are the shingles flat and tight? Is the flashing securely in place? Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks drain away from the house?

Exterior Appearance:

Are the windows and doors sealed and protected by weather stripping? Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks? Does the paint cover the surface and trim smoothly? Has landscaping been installed according to the terms of your contract?

Inside

Doors and Windows:

Are all doors and windows sealed? Do they open and close easily? Is the glass properly in place? Are any windows loose or cracked?

Finishes:

Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways? Did the painters miss any spots? Are the trims and molding in place?

Floors:

Is the carpet tight? Do the seams match? Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum? Are wooden floors properly finished?

Appliances, Fixtures, Surfaces, Etc.:

Do all of the appliances operate properly? Are all of the appliances the model and color you ordered? Check all faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, to make sure they operate properly. Are there any nicks, scratches, cracks or burns on any surfaces including cabinets and countertops? If you have tile counters or floors, was the tile and grout sealed by the builder or will you need to handle?

Electrical, Heating and Air:

Check all electrical fixtures and outlets. Bring a hair dryer to test the outlets. Do the heating; cooling and water-heating units operate properly? Test them to make sure. If the home has a fireplace, do the draft and damper work? Test the doorbell. Also test the intercom system, garage door opener and any other electrical items.

Basement and Attic:

Are there indications of dampness or leaks? Is there significant cracking in the floors or foundation walls? Are there any obvious defects in exposed components, such as floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical, etc.?

Certificate of Occupancy:

You need it! Has your local municipality signed off on your house? Your real estate professional should be available to assist you during all phases of your home purchase, including your walk-through. Please call your real estate professional today for more information on what you should look for or contact laptop real estate, inc. for their Quality Referrals ready to assist you now.

Buying New or Pre-owned properties a professional Inspection is advised:

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments youre likely to make. Be smart when buying a property, whether a new or pre-owned hiring a professional inspector may save you time, money and stress. The professional inspector will check out the properties major systems and structural integrity.

An inspector looks for and recommends changes that can make the difference in how much money you will spend on future repairs and maintenance. Even if you have a good eye for detail or are buying a brand new home, a thorough inspection by an experienced professional is a wise choice that can save you a lot of time, money and frustration in the future. An unbiased professional opinion is worth $1,000s!

Posted by Rick Pezzner on December 23, 2008 at 04:32 AM

About Rick Pezzner
Hello from the Pacific Northwest!

My name is Rick Pezzner, broker and CEO of laptop™ real estate, inc. I look forward to meeting with you.

At laptop real estate "our mission is simple. With uncompromising honesty and integrity, we will focus our energy and resources toward meeting the needs of our clients".

Laptop™ real estate was organized in 1995 and provides a local real estate brokerage and resource center for commercial and residential buyers and sellers. Our goal is to meet the varying needs of real estate buyers and sellers while providing laptop Clients more options to fit the current laws and markets.

With the tools available online and increasingly savvy property owners and buyers, we saw the need for an unconventional addition to real estate company.

Laptop™ real estate works together with sellers and buyers to complete a successful transaction.

Sometimes an entrepreneurial spirit allows a deal to move easier and close quicker. Laptop™ real estate is your personal collaborator and closing assistant. Our Clients have FREE access a powerful online transaction management system customized to make each deal(s) easily accessible, organized and timely. Check this link out and call for access code.

Our Seller Guarantee

We want to prove our marketing and sales claims. If we have not provided services that meet your expectations in our agreed timeline, you may cancel our services at no charge! Your satisfaction is number one on our list of priorities. . We're never to busy to help you or your referrals.




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