Pre-Closing Inspection

When to Schedule It

The later, the better.

Schedule this inspection within 24-48 hours before the closing. The closer to closing time, the better. You want to check that the property is the same as when you signed the initial contract. This is your time to make sure the sellers are keeping their end of the bargain before money exchanges hands.

Just because the sellers seem like good people doesn't mean they are. Some buyers have forgone the pre-closing inspection only to open the door to their new home and see bare windows, torn up flooring, scratches in the walls from moving and no appliances that were all supposed to convey. This is a good time to be skeptical and check up on the sellers. Look at the home prior to closing to make sure it is exactly the way it was when you last saw it.

What Should You Do?

Test everything!

• Turn on every appliance.
• Open every door.
• Make sure nothing new is broken.
• Be certain all conveyance items are there and in the same condition.
• Be certain there is no new damage from the seller's move.

New Homes

Look a little closer.

If it is new construction, make sure the builder included everything that was promised. Be sure to check if the models are the correct ones you requested. If there are things that still need to be included or fixed, have your contractor create a punch list and have it entered into the closing. This way you are ensured that the items on the punch list will be completed.

If You Find Something...

Follow through.

If you find something wrong with the house, call your attorney immediately. He or she can present a list of items to the seller's attorney that need to be fixed or ask for a credit so you can repair those items yourself after the closing.

Once the closing is complete, you have no more recourse.

Too Many Problems? Walk away...it's another one of your rights!

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