Why Your Final Walk-Through Matters: A Crucial Step Before Closing

Buying a home is an exciting journey, but before you get the keys and pop the champagne, there’s one final, critical step you can’t afford to skip: the final walk-through.

This isn’t just a casual stroll through your soon-to-be home—it’s your last chance to ensure everything is in the condition you agreed upon before closing. Catching issues now can save you from costly surprises after moving in. Here’s why the final walk-through is so important and what to look for before signing on the dotted line.

Why a Final Walk-Through is Essential

A lot can happen between your initial offer and closing day. Plumbing leaks, appliance malfunctions, and property condition changes aren’t uncommon. The final walk-through allows you to confirm that:

·       Repairs were completed as agreed – If the seller promised to fix something, now’s the time to verify it’s done and done right.

·       No new damage has occurred – Weather, moving damage, or even unexpected issues can arise after inspections. Don’t inherit a problem that wasn’t there before.

·       Appliances and fixtures are intact and working – Ensure everything included in the sale (stove, fridge, washer, etc.) is still there and functioning properly.

·       Plumbing and drainage are in good shape – Run every faucet, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks. A slow drain or hidden water issue can become a major headache.

·       The home is being delivered in the expected condition – The property should be broom-clean and free of unwanted items. You don’t want to deal with the seller’s leftover junk.

What to Check During the Walk-Through

Make the most of this final check by following a thorough walkthrough checklist:

·       Turn on every light switch and check outlets – Bring a phone charger to test them.

·       Run faucets, check under sinks, and flush toilets – Watch for leaks or drainage issues.

·       Test heating, air conditioning, and major appliances – Turn them on and ensure they work.

·       Open and close doors and garage doors – Look for broken locks.

·       Check ceilings, walls, and floors – Make sure no new damage has appeared since inspections.

·       Ensure agreed-upon repairs are completed – Ask for receipts or warranties if applicable.

·       Confirm all included items are still there – Appliances, light fixtures, window treatments, etc.

·       Walk the property – Check for any unexpected changes, missing outdoor items, or damage.

What to Do If You Find an Issue

If you discover a problem during the final walk-through, don’t ignore it. You have a few options:

·       Address it before closing – Request that the seller fixes the issue or compensates you.

·       Negotiate a credit – If a repair can’t be done in time, a price adjustment may be the best solution.

·       Delay closing (if necessary) – In rare cases, significant issues may require postponing closing until resolved.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment

The final walk-through is your last opportunity to catch any issues before the home officially becomes yours. Taking the time to thoroughly inspect the property can save you from unexpected repairs and financial headaches down the road.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make—so take this last step seriously. Need expert guidance through the process? Let’s talk and make sure your next home purchase goes smoothly from start to finish.

Stats by Kat:  Snohomish County

Welcome to this week’s Stats by Kat, your trusted source for the latest trends shaping the Snohomish County housing market. Whether you’re buying or selling, staying informed is key to making smart real estate decisions. Let’s dive into the numbers.

Market Inventory & New Listings

Snohomish County’s housing supply remains fairly tight at 1.0 months of inventory, reinforcing a competitive market. Last week alone, 172 new listings hit the market.

Offer Review Trends – A Winning Strategy for Sellers

Sellers continue to leverage Offer Review Dates (ORDs) to attract multiple offers and maximize sale prices. Right now, 45% of sellers are using this strategy, which continues to drive competition among buyers and 69% of those sellers are making their ORD.

Multiple Offers & Contingencies – What Buyers Are Negotiating

According to the latest NWMLS data (March 23 – March 29):

·       30% of pending homes received multiple offers.

·       34% of accepted offers included an Inspection Contingency.

·       74% included a Financing Addendum.

This means buyers are still competing, but some are able to keep their inspection and financing contingencies in place.

How Fast Are Homes Selling?

If you’re a seller, timing is still on your side. Well-prepared, competitively priced homes continue to move quickly:

·       49% of homes listed between March 16 – March 22 went under contract within 7 days.

·       62% of homes listed between March 2 – March 15 were under contract within 14 days.

For homes that recently closed (last 30 days of closed sales):

·       Average Days on Market: 28 days

·       Median Days on Market: Just 6 days

Are Sellers Still Getting Over Asking Price?

The market remains strong for well-positioned listings, with:

·       45% of sellers receiving over asking price.

·       18% securing 5% or more over asking.

·       7% achieving 10% or more over asking.

·       1% selling for 20% or more over asking price.

Key Takeaways – What This Means for You

For Sellers:

The demand is there, but pricing and preparation are critical. To get top dollar:

·       Price strategically from day one – Overpricing can lead to longer days on market.

·       Stage and prep your home – Presentation is key in this competitive market.

·       Consider an Offer Review Date – It’s still an effective way to generate strong offers.

For Buyers:

The market remains competitive, but opportunities exist:

·       Act fast – Well-positioned homes are selling in days, not weeks.

·       Make your offer strong – Price matters, but so do contingencies and terms. And consider getting Fully Underwritten by your lender.

·       Work with an expert – Having a skilled broker can make all the difference in winning the right home.

Thinking of Buying or Selling? Let’s Talk Strategy

The Snohomish County market is still moving fast, and every real estate decision should be backed by strategy and experience. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, let’s connect and discuss the best approach for your goals.

Reach out today—because in this market, timing is everything!

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this version of Stats by Kat. Please feel free to reach out. I value your questions and comments! And don’t forget to follow me on Social Media (links are below), as the most up to date information on our real estate market will also be covered in my most recent videos. And check out a variety of playlists on my YouTube Channel.

Tips for Sellers & Buyers

Since I’ve started creating content in 2023, I’ve put together several hundred videos to help Buyers and Sellers navigate our local real estate market. Here are a couple of the more popular Playlists:

Real Estate Tips for Sellers

Real Estate Tips for Buyers

Katherine Howard | Broker
Windermere Real Estate/HLC
13901 NE 175th Street | Suite 100
Woodinville, WA 98072