A Final Walk Through Checklist

Your closing day is here! You are days (if not hours) away from owning your dream apartment. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement, but don’t let that override taking a careful, final look at your new property.

1. Be sure all of the electrical outlets are in working order. (Bring something that is easy to plug in so you can test each outlet—that is, a night light or cellphone charger.)

2. Open all of the windows. Sometimes windows are missing springs and do not remain open on their own. Also, test the lock mechanisms as well.

3. Do the doors open and close properly?

4. Test the gas (or electric) for all appliances. Does the stovetop range light? Does the oven get hot? Microwave work?

5. Run the dishwasher. It’s usually a smart idea to do this at the very beginning of your walk-through. This way, you can see that it successfully runs through majority of a short cycle by the time you complete the walk through. 

6. Turn on each faucet. How long does it take for the water to get hot? Are there any issues with the drains? Do the same with showers.

7. Flush the toilets. Any flooding?

8. Do air conditioners work—and do they blow cool air?

9. Turn lights on and off. If any lights are not in working order, be sure it is merely due to light bulb issues as opposed to electrical problems. 

10. If the washer and dryer are included in your purchase, check to see they are working properly.

11. Ring the doorbell and do a check of the intercom system.

12. Is there anything glaringly different that was not apparent when you first saw the property? (Holes in the ceiling, cracked windows, floor-pieces missing?)

13. Make sure that any items included in the contract/purchase are still in the apartment. (Furniture, appliances, light fixtures, and so on …)

14. Ask the owner for copies of existing warranties for all appliances.

15. Inspect carefully for any new signs of mold or water damage. Places to focus on may be in the bathroom, near sinks, or around any washer or dryers.

The final walk-through is the last time you will have to make sure everything is in order. It gets a bit more difficult to hold an owner accountable after the closing takes place. Take your time, and cover all of your bases as best you can.

Brad Malow is the founder of BuyingNYC.com and an agent with Rutenberg Realty. He has been helping buyers and sellers navigate NYC’s complex real estate market for over 10 years. Visit the BuyingNYC Blog for more advice or contact Brad at [email protected].