Closing on a home in Great Neck soon? Your final walkthrough is the last chance to confirm the home’s condition before you sign. You want the keys and a smooth closing, not surprises. This guide gives you a clear, local checklist tailored to Great Neck and Kings Point, plus what to do if you find an issue under standard New York practice. Let’s dive in.
What the final walkthrough is for
The final walkthrough lets you verify that the property is in the agreed condition, that repairs are complete, and that nothing has changed since inspection or contract signing. Under standard New York practice, you should:
- Schedule it within 24 to 48 hours of closing. Same-day walkthroughs are possible but leave less time to fix problems.
- Attend with your buyer’s agent. Your attorney may also attend or be on-call. A contractor or inspector can join if you need to verify specific repairs.
- Confirm the seller’s obligations in your contract, such as broom-clean condition, removal of personal property, and completion of agreed repairs.
- Document everything. Photos and short videos with timestamps plus written notes are best. If you find a problem, notify your attorney and agent in writing right away.
Schedule and what to bring
- Confirm the seller’s move-out timing and set your walkthrough 24 to 48 hours before closing.
- Bring your contract, any repair addendum, and your inspection report.
- Pack a phone or camera for timestamped photos, a flashlight, an outlet tester, and this checklist.
- Coordinate with your attorney and agent so any issues can be handled quickly before funds are released.
Great Neck specifics to confirm
Great Neck and Kings Point include multiple incorporated villages and areas within the Town of North Hempstead. Rules and services can vary by address, so confirm the details for your specific property.
Utilities and services
- Water and sewer: Most homes are on municipal services, but district boundaries vary. Verify your property’s water and sewer provider and whether there are any outstanding bills or assessments.
- Fuel type: Confirm if the home uses natural gas, heating oil, or electric heat pumps. Note the service providers you will contact for transfer.
- Internet and cable: Check provider availability and plan your transfer date.
Oil tanks and environmental items
- Ask for documentation on any current or past fuel oil tanks. If a buried or above-ground tank was removed or abandoned, request receipts and closure certificates.
- If remediation occurred, obtain records showing proper approvals and final sign-offs.
Permits and certificate of occupancy
- Recent renovations and additions should have permits and final inspections. Request copies of permits and approvals for major structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.
- Some single-family sales close without a new certificate of occupancy, but unpermitted work can create issues. Verify status early.
Flooding and trees
- If the property is near coastal or tidal zones, confirm flood insurance requirements with your lender and review village floodplain rules.
- Walk the lot for mature trees, broken limbs, or damage that may have occurred before closing.
Taxes and assessments
- Confirm current property taxes and whether any special district fees or assessments apply.
Local contacts to keep handy
- Village or Town Building Department for permits and violations.
- Water and sewer district office for service status and final readings.
- Electric, gas, and any oil service company for transfers and meter reads.
- Your title company and attorney for liens, open violations, and remedies.
Room-by-room final walkthrough checklist
Use these lists to move quickly and cover it all.
Exterior and grounds
- Look for new damage: broken windows, loose siding, missing shingles, or gutter issues visible from the ground.
- Check fencing and gates, driveway condition, and any sprinkler system left as-is.
- Inspect the foundation you can see for new cracks or moisture.
- Verify exterior lights function and bulbs are present.
- If oil is used, confirm the tank location and any prior removal or remediation documents.
- If there is a basement hatch or crawlspace, confirm it is secure and dry. Test the sump pump if present.
Garage and driveway
- Open and close the garage door. Confirm remotes and keypad codes are provided.
- Check for personal items left behind, oil stains, or new cracks.
Interior basics
- Condition: The home should be broom-clean, free of seller belongings unless you agreed otherwise.
- Keys and access: Collect all keys, fobs, garage remotes, mailbox keys, and alarm codes. Test exterior and key interior locks.
- Surfaces: Scan walls, floors, and ceilings for new holes, stains, or damage since inspection.
- Safety devices: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for operation.
Kitchen and laundry appliances
- Confirm the presence and basic function of included appliances: refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, washer, and dryer.
- Run the dishwasher briefly and test burners and oven preheat. Check washer and dryer for power and basic operation.
- Look under and behind appliances for leaks or damage.
HVAC, hot water, and electrical
- Heating and cooling: Test the thermostat. Confirm the system turns on and produces heat or cool air. If oil-fired, confirm the burner ignites.
- Hot water: Run taps to confirm hot water arrives at fixtures.
- Electrical: Toggle lights and test a few outlets, including GFCIs in kitchen and baths. Look at the electrical panel for labeled circuits and obvious issues.
Plumbing and bathrooms
- Run sinks and showers for a short period to check for water pressure and drainage.
- Look under sinks and around toilets for leaks.
- Flush all toilets. Note any slow drains or odors that could indicate a sewer issue.
Windows, doors, attic
- Open and close a representative sample of windows and all exterior doors. Check that locks and screens function.
- If attic access is available, look for signs of moisture, stains, or ventilation issues visible from the hatch.
Pests and moisture
- Look for droppings, damaged wood, or recent treatments noted by the seller. Note any musty odors or visible mold.
Agreed repairs and contractor work
- Bring your repair list and inspection report and verify each item. Look for quality and conformity with the agreement.
- Collect contractor invoices, receipts, and any permits and final inspections for major work.
- If something is incomplete, document it and notify your attorney and agent immediately.
Collect these items before you leave
- Repair invoices, warranties, contractor contacts.
- Oil tank removal or closure documents if applicable.
- Appliance manuals and warranties.
- Keys, remotes, gate openers, alarm codes, mailbox keys.
- Utility details: main water shutoff, gas shutoff, electrical panel map.
- Photos of final meter readings for water, gas, and electric.
If you find a problem
Act quickly and stay organized. In New York, your attorney and agent coordinate solutions prior to funding.
- Document thoroughly
- Take timestamped photos and short videos. Write a brief description of what you found and where.
- Notify your team
- Email your attorney and agent right away. Include your notes and photos. If the issue is major, request immediate guidance before proceeding to closing.
- Assess severity
- Minor issues: non-critical cosmetic items can often be handled with a credit or post-closing agreement. Get everything in writing.
- Major issues: safety hazards, active leaks, non-working heat or hot water, or missing agreed repairs may justify a closing delay, a repair requirement before funding, or an escrow holdback.
- Know the common remedies
- Escrow or holdback: part of the seller’s proceeds are held until the issue is cured.
- Seller completes repairs before closing with proof of completion.
- Closing is postponed until corrections are made.
- In rare cases, cancellation or monetary remedies may be pursued under your contract and attorney’s advice.
- Use a clear script
- “Per the contract and repair addendum dated [date], these items remain incomplete or non-operational. Please confirm how and when the seller will cure prior to closing or agree to an escrow holdback.”
Always follow your attorney’s contract-specific guidance and any lender or title company instructions.
Tips for a smooth Great Neck closing
- Walk through after the seller fully moves out whenever possible.
- Take photos of utility meter readings and any notable conditions.
- Confirm smoke and CO detectors are present and operational as required.
- Ask your attorney to verify permit status and any open violations with the village or town.
- If the home uses heating oil, request service records and confirm the tank’s status and location.
- For homes near coastal areas, confirm flood insurance requirements with your lender.
Ready to walk through with confidence?
With nearly three decades of North Shore experience and formal legal and accounting training, you get calm, precise guidance from first showing to final signature. If you want a meticulous, white-glove process tailored to Great Neck and Kings Point, connect with Irene Renee Rallis for buyer representation and closing support.
FAQs
When should a Great Neck buyer schedule the final walkthrough?
- Aim for 24 to 48 hours before closing so there is time to address any issues before funds are released.
Who typically attends a New York final walkthrough?
- You and your buyer’s agent should attend, and your attorney may join or be on-call; a contractor or inspector can be invited if you are verifying specific repairs.
What if an agreed repair is not finished at walkthrough?
- Document it with photos, email your attorney and agent immediately, and discuss remedies such as escrow holdback, seller cure before funding, or a brief closing delay.
Do I need to test appliances and systems during the walkthrough?
- Yes, do brief functional tests of major systems and included appliances, and consider bringing a contractor or inspector if complex equipment needs verification.
What documents should I collect from the seller before closing?
- Collect repair invoices, warranties, permit and inspection approvals, oil tank removal or closure records if applicable, all keys and codes, and utility details including meter photos.
What if I suspect an environmental issue like an old oil tank?
- Stop, document your concern, and consult your attorney and an environmental professional about next steps, which may include further testing or remediation.
Does the seller have to leave the home broom-clean in Nassau County?
- Usually yes if stated in the contract, so verify the home is broom-clean and free of personal property unless you agreed to keep specific items.
