The Inspection Before Closing

Home buyers will have an opportunity to walk through the house they purchased just before the closing to make sure it is in the same condition as when the contract was ratified. They will check the appliances and make sure that the agreed-upon repairs were completed.

Buyers usually see their new home empty for the first time just after the movers have left. Suddenly they see the dark rectangles and nail holes where pictures used to hang, and all the "dust bunnies" that were concealed by furniture. The contract calls for the house to be "broom clean" and free of trash and debris. However, real estate agents encourage sellers to leave their homes impeccably clean for the pre-closing walk-through inspection, and many homes are turned over in spotless condition.

Sometimes the seller's hectic moving schedule, fatigue, or unequal housekeeping standards require the buyers to clean the house thoroughly before they feel that they can move in. If you are afraid that a messy house could trigger problems at the closing, be sure to make your house shine for this important inspection.