Final Walk-Through Checklist for Homebuyers

Closing day is almost here, and soon, you’ll live in your new home! You’re entitled to a final walk-through before you sign those papers at the closing table. Not sure what to do? Knowing when to conduct the walk-through, what to look for, and how long it takes can make all the difference. It’s about avoiding surprises on closing day and ensuring your dream home lives up to expectations.

Take along our final walk-through checklist for home buyers. We’ll walk you through the essentials to look for, covering key areas to inspect and what to do if you encounter any hiccups.

What is a Final Walk-Through?

A final walk-through is a last look at your soon-to-be new digs before closing the deal.

Time passes between when you signed the purchase contract and when you sign the property deed. Even if you had a due diligence period and visited again for the home inspection results, it could have been weeks since you last set eyes on the home. As we all know, life happens. It’s when you verify everything is just as it should be when you first saw the home.

The walk-through is not another detailed home inspection. You are checking if the previous owners have maintained the home in the same condition. Nothing unexpected has happened in the days immediately before you sign. It’s that little reassurance before you hit that “launch” button and become its new homeowner.

When Is The Final Walk-Through?

A final walk-through typically occurs just a few days or even hours before closing on a home. This critical step happens after the real estate agent has confirmed that all conditions in the real estate contract, such as repairs and maintenance, have been met. Your real estate agent will coordinate the day and time with the seller’s agent.

Who Should Attend a Final Walk-Through?

Ideally, the homebuyer and the buyer’s real estate agent are at the final walkthrough with a copy of the purchase agreement and the home inspection report. The contract outlines what stays with the home, so you’ll want that just to double-check. The home inspection report should have photos and notes so you can compare the before and after on any requested repairs.

Optionally, the home inspector or professionals who made repairs could be present. This is at the buyer’s discretion. Having them at the walk-through may cost extra.

The home seller or seller’s agent should only be there if the buyer requests. In that case, the seller’s agent can be present.

How Long Does A Final Walk-Through Take?

Every home is unique. Generally, a final walk-through typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Larger homes take longer. If you’re assessing repairs in hard-to-reach spaces like crawl spaces or on the roof, allow for extra time, too.

No matter what, leave enough time for a thorough check. You don’t want to be in a rush because it’s the day of closing, and you need to make the appointment with the attorney.

Comprehensive Final Walk-Through Checklist

This step in the home-buying process is crucial for ensuring the property is in the agreed-upon condition before closing. It helps buyers confirm that all negotiated repairs in the purchase agreement have been completed.

Use this printable final walk-through checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked:

Heating Systems

Test all heating and air conditioning systems to ensure they are working properly. Even if it’s summer, run that heat–or vice versa for winter purchases.

Appliances

Test all kitchen appliances included in the sale to confirm they function as intended.

Windows and Security

Verify all window screens and treatments are intact. Test garage doors, openers, and security alarms to confirm they function correctly. Look around the seams for signs of water intrusion.

Mold and Pests

Look for new signs of mold or pests. Rodents and insect signs are most likely spotted along edges, in enclosed spaces like basements and attics, or inside cabinets. The reports from the initial home inspection should indicate if there are new signs of mouse droppings or pest activity.

Electrical and Light Fixtures

Turn on and off all light fixtures to see if they are operational. Verify that the electrical systems are in good condition by testing outlets and switches. Home improvement stores carry inexpensive outlet testers, but it’s also something the home inspector should have checked.

Plumbing

Run all plumbing fixtures to check they work correctly and have no new leaks. That includes checking the home has hot water and acceptable water pressure. If the home has a pool, check its pump and filters.

Home Condition

Check that no significant changes have occurred in the home’s condition. Remember to walk entirely around outside the home and into every interior room. Scan the walls, floors, and ceiling, paying special attention for water damage and signs of pests.

Exterior Changes

Inspect for any major changes to the exterior of the home. Are all the plants and shrubs still there? Are the gutters still in good shape? If applicable, check that the sprinkler systems are operational. Look around the exterior for signs of water damage or potential issues that could arise. If you have fencing, check all gate latches lock and unlock easily.

Repairs

Verify that all requested repairs have been completed satisfactorily.

Included Items

Confirm that all items included in the home sale are still present (e.g., refrigerator, light fixtures, window treatments, microwaves, etc.).

Seller Belongings

Depending on the timing of your final walk-through, the sellers should have removed all the personal items and trash from the moving process. This is the case if your final walk-through is on the day of closing.

This checklist helps ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on move-in day. Take notes and pictures if necessary to remember any concerns that need addressing before finalizing your home purchase or moving in.

What To Do If You Find Issues During The Final Walk-Through

The first step: don’t panic. Real estate brokers and closing attorneys have seen these things happen before. That’s why the final walkthrough is written into the contract. You expect all major systems and the home to function as you saw it when you first fell in love with it.

Document all potential issues with photos and notes. Next, communicate with your real estate agent as soon as possible. Ideally, they will be there at your final walk-through. They can guide you in the different courses of action in addressing these problems. It may be negotiating with the current owners for agreed-upon repairs or adjusting the purchase agreements to get a credit at closing.

Major issues like extensive new water damage or mold growth might require revisiting the negotiation table. Serious problems at the cusp of closing can delay becoming the new owner, but that’s better than being unexpectedly saddled with costly repairs.

For minor issues, like burnt-out light fixtures or malfunctioning garage doors, a quick chat with your agent can help you decide whether to mention them or fix them after the sale. If the inspection report highlighted issues that were supposed to be resolved but haven’t been, bring those up immediately. Cosmetic issues are more often worth handling yourself.

With clear communication and a proactive approach, most problems can be handled efficiently without derailing your home-buying plans.

Sail Through the Final-Walkthrough

Approach your final walk-through methodically and at your own pace to ensure your new home is exactly as expected. Take this opportunity to make sure no surprises are waiting when you move in.