Final Visit Before Signing with the Notary: Why Is It Essential?

Between the signing of the preliminary sales agreement and the final deed, the buyer has the right to request a revisit of the property. This visit is strongly recommended. Organization, key points to check... Here’s everything you need to know about the courtesy visit.

What is the purpose of the final visit before the notary meeting ?

If you have signed a preliminary sales agreement and obtained your mortgage, the time to sign the final deed with the notary is fast approaching. However, just before signing, it’s essential to carry out a last inspection of the apartment or house you are about to officially purchase. This visit, often called the “pre-closing visit,” “inspection visit,” or “courtesy visit,” ideally takes place a few days before the signing with the notary.

This visit is an important step in the home-buying process, as it allows you to check the property’s condition and ensure that everything aligns with what was agreed upon in the preliminary agreement. It also gives you a chance to finalize certain details with the seller before signing the deed.

If the seller agrees, consider bringing along a professional (contractor, architect...), especially if renovations are planned soon after you move in (kitchen, bathroom...). This allows the professional to take measurements, prepare a quote, and schedule their work as quickly as possible.

The courtesy visit also ensures the property has not suffered any damage since the preliminary agreement.

Courtesy Visit: Key Things to Verify

As you can see, the courtesy visit should not be taken lightly. Several items need to be checked on the day itself. To avoid missing anything, consider creating a checklist.

First, make sure all equipment mentioned in the preliminary agreement is still present: any negotiated repairs, appliances, fitted kitchen, radiators, shutters, lighting, pool, trees, etc. Conversely, confirm that any objects, furniture, or equipment not listed in the agreement have indeed been removed by the owners.

Aside from items potentially left in living spaces, check storage areas such as closets, garage, attic, and garden shed. These may sometimes hold items intentionally left by the current owner to avoid dealing with disposal or paying for a dump run, or simply forgotten. The owner is responsible for removing these.

Finally, confirm that no significant damage (windows, doors, roof, walls...) has occurred between the preliminary agreement and the final deed.

The courtesy visit is also an opportunity to note meter readings for water, gas, and electricity to communicate to suppliers and the notary.

Visit Denied by the Seller, Issues Detected... What to Do

Although highly important, the courtesy visit is not mandatory. It must be agreed upon between you and the seller. Since it’s optional, the seller has every right to refuse it. However, this is very rare. A serious seller has no reason to deny it. If they categorically refuse your return before signing, this should raise concerns.

Notify the notary and the real estate professional handling the sale to understand the next steps and how to address any hidden issues with the seller. Remember, the seller is required to deliver the property in the condition stipulated in the preliminary contract.

If the owner allows the courtesy visit but you notice an issue (damage, missing items, etc.), take a photo and inform the notary and real estate agent. The owner must fix the issue, with any costs falling on them. The notary can withhold part of the sale price until the seller resolves the issue, delay the sale, or deduct the cost from the sale price if the seller cannot restore the property’s condition. In case of severe damage, you may refuse to sign the final deed.

Source : edito.seloger.com