Walk-throughs KEY Before Closing

Walk-throughs key before new-home closing
Do it 2 days before closing to make sure a new home is just right
03:21 PM CST on Wednesday, February 20, 2008
By KATE GOODLOE / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
When buyers first walk through a new house after the construction dust settles, they can become smitten. But it's important to take time to see that everything meets the contract specifications.

Buyers should schedule the final walk-through to take place two days before closing, advised Jon Boyd, the 2007 president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. That leaves time for the builder to fix any problems so the buyer can walk through again hours before closing.
Walking through an average-size home should take between two and four hours, Mr. Boyd said. The home inspection should have been conducted already (about three weeks before closing, ideally), and buyers need to check during walk-through that all inspection issues have been resolved.
"It's just like going to the doctor," said Lillie Young, senior vice president and broker at Allie Beth Allman & Associates in Dallas. "You should prepare ahead of time and have lists and checklists."
Checklists are also recommended by the National Association of Home Builders and other construction trade groups.
"That is something we encourage buyers to utilize to make sure they get a thorough understanding of the components of the home," said Paul Cauduro of the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas. "It's the last piece of the puzzle, the walk-through."
Buyers should expect their new house to be finished at the same quality as the builder's model home, Mr. Boyd said.

Make sure the manufacturer's specifications for fixtures and appliances have been met. Door manufacturers, for example, usually call for all sides to be painted, including top and bottom, to prevent warping, he said.
See that primer doesn't show through paint and that kitchen cabinets are aligned. Walk around and check for floor squeaks, something that can usually be corrected, Mr. Boyd said. He recommends taking along sticky notes or blue painter's tape to use as flags.
Steve Ritchey, a buyer's agent in Dallas, recommends doing an orientation walk-through a month before the final to learn about the air conditioning, heating and other technical aspects of the house, including the warranty. Any problems noticed can be reported then and followed up on during final walk-through, he said.
If minor problems remain, builders can write a list of exceptions for the buyer to sign off on during closing, Mr. Ritchey said. That typically gives the builder extra time – about 30 days – for repairs without delaying closing.
Such time frames change with homes costing $1 million or more. For example, Steve Burke, director of production for luxury builder Hawkins Wellwood, doesn't give buyers a deadline for reporting any issues. Instead, he returns to fix any problems after buyers have lived in a home 30 days.
"I tell them right up front there are going to be adjustments that will need to be made," he said.
Buyers must be prepared to postpone closing if major problems with the builder arise.
"Be emotionally ready to delay the closing if there is lack of agreement or if a builder says they can't finish things," Mr. Boyd advised.

THINGS TO CHECK
The paint job: Make sure the finish coat of paint is complete and the wood trim is smooth.
Surfaces: Go over all counters, floors and walls to be sure nothing's damaged or unfinished.
Manufacturer's specifications: Look closely at doors, fixtures and appliances. If something looks wrong, see if it was supposed to be installed or finished a different way. Open and close windows.
Lights, plumbing and other working parts: Turn all lights on and off. Flush toilets. Run every faucet. Kate Goodloe

GET A CHECKLIST you can use when you make a walk-through of a newly built home.