You're about to move into your new home! It's important to do a walk-through to make sure everything is as promised. How do you go about it, though? You've never owned a home before, and you're afraid you'll do it wrong or miss something important.

Don't worry. Our real estate agents will be there to help you through it. In the meantime, here's a checklist of what you're looking for on your final walk-through.

What to Bring

• The final contract outlining what each of you has agreed to.
• Inspection report, detailing anything broken in the house and outlining promised repairs.
• Pen and notebook.
• Phone with a camera.
• Phone charger.
• This checklist.
• Your real estate agent to guide you through it.

Your Checklist

• Final Repairs. Go through the inspection report and check that each of the necessary repairs outlined has, in fact, been performed satisfactorily.
  
  
• Bathroom and Kitchen. These are two of the most common sources of problems in a new home. Look for mold growth and leaks. The most likely places are underneath the sinks and by the dishwasher and refrigerator. Turn on the faucets, shower, etc., to make sure they work and have proper water pressure, and flush the toilets.
  
  
• Included Items. What's included with the sale of this house? Is there shelving? Appliances? It should all be outlined in the final contract. Go through to make sure everything is there that's supposed to be.
  
  
• Test Appliances. Turn on the oven and stove to make sure they get hot without smelling like gas. Turn on the furnace and A/C to make sure they blow hot and cold air, respectively. Run the dishwasher through a cycle and the washer and dryer as well. Make sure all appliances work the way they're supposed to.
  
  
• Test Outlets. Take your phone charger, and plug your phone into each outlet in the house to ensure they work properly. Turn each light switch on and off to make sure all the lights are functioning, and ring the doorbell once to see if it can be heard.
  
  
• Doors and Windows. Open and close each of the doors and windows. This will allow you to test whether they move easily if they close and latch securely and if the locks work properly. Make a note if any of them sticks or is otherwise broken.
  
  
• Examine the Grounds. Go through the yard as well. Make sure all the landscaping looks as promised. That includes the lawn, the driveway, and any plants.
  
  
• Check the Garage. Does the garage door open and close as it's supposed to? Are there any holes in the walls or other damage to the general woodwork? Any signs of bugs, rodents, or other pests?

Make notes and take pictures of everything you find. Discuss it all with your real estate agent. If there are any problems or discrepancies, you and your agent can bring them to the seller together and get them sorted out before you move in.

Whether it's your first home or your 50th, there are plenty of Boise homes for sale that can meet your needs. Contact us to help you find the right one for you, and ensure that it meets your standards, every step of the way.