“The Importance of a Final Walkthrough Before Closing”

Jackie Hauer
Oct 28, 2025
3 min read

You’re almost there — the offer’s accepted, the inspection is complete, and the closing date is around the corner. But before you sign those final papers and get the keys, there’s one crucial step left: the final walkthrough.

It’s your last chance to make sure everything in your new home is exactly as agreed. Here’s why this step matters — and how to make the most of it.

1️⃣ What Is a Final Walkthrough?

A final walkthrough is the buyer’s opportunity to inspect the property before closing. It usually happens 24 to 48 hours before settlement, once the sellers have moved out and the home is ready for handover.

It’s not a formal inspection — it’s a confirmation that:

The home’s condition hasn’t changed since you made the offer.
Agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
Nothing included in the sale (appliances, fixtures, etc.) is missing or damaged.

2️⃣ Why It’s So Important

Skipping the final walkthrough is one of the most common mistakes buyers make. Here’s what you risk missing if you don’t do it:

🧾 Unfinished Repairs: Sometimes sellers promise to fix items from the inspection report — but without a walkthrough, you can’t confirm they were done properly.
💧 Hidden Damage: Moving out can reveal issues like floor scratches, leaks, or wall damage hidden by furniture.
⚙️ Broken Appliances or Systems: You’ll want to test the air conditioning, plumbing, and major appliances before you own them.
🔦 Missing Items: Verify that all fixtures, window treatments, and built-in features included in the contract are still in place.

💡 Pro Tip: If something isn’t right, your realtor can delay closing or negotiate a repair credit.

3️⃣ What to Bring to the Walkthrough

Be prepared with a checklist to make sure nothing gets overlooked. Bring:

A copy of your purchase agreement (to confirm what’s included).
The inspection report (to verify repairs).
A phone or notepad for photos and notes.
Your agent — they’ll help catch red flags and handle communication with the seller’s side.

4️⃣ What to Check Room by Room

Take your time and inspect carefully:

Exterior:

Check for yard damage, exterior paint issues, or debris left behind.
Test outdoor faucets, lights, and garage door openers.

Interior:

Flip all light switches and test outlets.
Run the heating and cooling systems.
Turn on all faucets and flush toilets — check for leaks.
Test appliances (oven, dishwasher, fridge, washer, dryer).
Check that doors and windows open and lock properly.
Look for signs of pests or water damage.

Repairs:

Confirm all requested repairs were completed professionally.
Ask for receipts if major work was done (like electrical or plumbing fixes).

5️⃣ What to Do If You Find a Problem

If something doesn’t look right:

Document it immediately with photos or videos.
Inform your agent right away.
Don’t close until it’s resolved — your agent can request the seller fix the issue, offer a credit, or hold funds in escrow until the repair is verified.

It’s much easier to address problems before closing than after you take ownership.

✅ Final Thoughts

The final walkthrough might seem like a formality, but it’s your last safeguard before making one of the biggest investments of your life.

Take your time, be thorough, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something seems off. A great realtor will guide you through every step — ensuring that the keys you receive come with confidence, not surprises.