A home walkthrough is a detailed look at the house you just bought to familiarize yourself with it. It is done BEFORE the sellers move out, and BEFORE you move in. It is done during daylight hours.
This isn't a home inspection. You'll have already gotten one of those. This is a home education.
Do you need one?
Actually? ... Yes... read why...
We actually go to the house, and with the current owner, we learn about the house. Sort of like we used to do several decades ago, but now in more detail. We all go through the house, floor by floor, room by room inside, then outside, and we look at the property and anything there. We look at all the features and discuss renovations and changes, why things were done, discuss routine maintenance that you'll need to do, learn about seasonal preparations you would have to do, find out about guarantees on any work that was done, and warranties on any appliances or systems in the house, how things work, safety and liability, and much more.
It depends on the property, but it takes between a couple hours to most of a day. A house in town could take a few hours, and a custom house somewhat longer. A rural property with acreage, buildings, a barn, pond, woodstove, propane tank, etc, could take a half day.
The owners explain what they know about the property, you ask your questions about the house, and I ask the questions no one else thinks of. You take your notes and take pictures and videos, so you remember later once you're moved in.
Before the appointment has been made the type of house we will look at will be established by the address, whether it is like Most Homes, if it is a Custom Home, or if it is a Designer Home or a Rural Estate. Each has more features in ascending order that you will be learning about, and it will take appropriately longer to go through.
We arrange for you to pay when you set the appointment, or, if you want to pay cash, you can on the day of the appointment before we begin.
Once you've closed the deal, call and say you want to do a home walkthrough of the property you just bought.
I will have you contact the broker or seller and tell them you want to arrange a visit.
We will figure out a date and time we all can get together.
Contact us right away though. It can take a surprisingly long time to arrange three or four schedules.
We meet at the house at the appointed time and look over the property.
If you're not buying a new home from a builder, it's used, and all used homes have a history and the way things work that you need to know as much about as possible.
Just as the home you're leaving has a way it "works", so does the home you're going to. There is no reason you can't "walk into" your next home and know how it works too.
Beyond how the home "works" are things such as what is due for maintenance and what has been done to the house. Renovations, Additions, Mechanical Systems, Electronics, Appliances... When were they installed and why were they needed, What were the costs, Who were the contractors, Are there Guarantees or Warranties... and more. If there is an oil or propane tank or woodstove or insert you have to learn about them, how to use them, and of your responsibilities regarding them.
These have special features. Who maintains the landscaping and snow removal? Who monitors the mechanical systems? Who maintains the pool? Who services the sprinklers? Is there a security system? how does it work, how extensive is it? If there is a drivehouse, a barn or other buildings, a pond, solar or other power, you need to learn about them.
If it is a Century Home, you need to know about interior or exterior restrictions, designations, plumbing and wiring updates, and more..
Phone
Monday - Saturay: 9am - 6pm
or text anytime