Final Walk-Through

​The case of Harkness v. Cooney, decided in 1979 at Waterloo County Court, established an important precedent regarding the purchasers' right to a final walk-through in a real estate transaction. In this case, the court held that the purchaser had the right to inspect the property for damage on the day of closing and requisition an inspection if necessary. The court's ruling reinforces the rights of purchasers and highlights the importance of the final walk-through in protecting those rights.

As a purchaser, it is your responsibility to view the property and raise any concerns prior to closing. To ensure that you don't overlook any steps, follow this checklist:
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1. Test the heating and air conditioning.
2. Test all appliances.
3. Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans, including hood range.
4. Turn on and off every light fixture.
5. Run water and check for leaks under sinks.
6. Check garage door openers.
7. Open and close all doors.
8. Flush toilets.
9. Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors.
10. Open and close windows.
11. Make sure all debris is removed from the home and garage/shed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are aware of any potential issues with the property before finalizing the transaction. Remember, it is your right to request a final walk-through, and it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to protect your investment.

Should you identify an issue, please send yourlawyer an email with a photo, description and estimated costs for rectifying the issue.

Download Checklist