Why is a walkthrough an important step in the purchasing process?

Whether you are selling or renting your home, the final walkthrough is an important event that can impact moving day, your bank account and state of mind. Ideally, it’s a non-event and simply a time to hand over keys. But without proper planning, it can turn into drama and bring out the worst in people.

Cleaning out a home, whether one has lived there for five years or 50 takes longer than you can imagine. Generally, Americans have too much stuff — stuff we don’t need and that nobody else wants. There are books and records, glass vases and flowerpots and don’t even get me started on old clothing and sports equipment that “someone might want.” They don’t. These are not items to be left behind for your home’s new residents.

The minute that contract is executed is the time to plan. Any items that are staying, such as light fixtures or window treatments, should be noted in the contract. The rest is your responsibility, so repeat after me: Nobody wants your stuff. Start by deciding what can be donated to the many charitable organizations.

Next, properly dispose of any items that can be considered hazardous waste, such as old paint cans and automotive supplies. Nobody wants your paint. Once you’ve separated what’s going from what remains, repeat the above steps until you’re packed and ready for the moving van.

Once empty, have the house professionally cleaned. The last thing you’ll feel like doing is tackling a dirty oven. Often, what arises is the urge to flee in an over-packed car (usually with the garage door openers), leaving a refrigerator full of condiments in one’s wake. These seemingly small things can escalate into a threat of holding money in escrow and complicate a transaction that is close to completion.

Finally, be sure to communicate with your Realtor throughout the process and let your agent know of any issues that may come up, such as not being totally moved out. Last-minute glitches can be smoothed over, but they’re best handled by Realtors, who manage unexpected situations every day.