A final walkthrough is your last chance to verify the home's condition before closing, typically done 24-48 hours before your closing appointment. Check that all agreed-upon repairs were completed, the property is in the same condition as when you made your offer, all fixtures and appliances included in the contract are present, and nothing has been damaged or removed.
This is not a second home inspection. It is a verification that what you agreed to buy is what you are getting.
The Final Walkthrough Checklist
Repairs
Verify all negotiated repairs are completed. Get receipts or invoices from the seller showing the work was done by a licensed professional when required.
Condition
Check for any new damage, holes, or issues that may have occurred since your last visit. Walk every room and look at walls, floors, ceilings, and doors for fresh marks or damage.
Fixtures
Confirm all included light fixtures, ceiling fans, blinds, and curtain rods are still present. Sellers sometimes swap out fixtures or take items that were supposed to convey with the property.
Appliances
Make sure all included appliances are installed and working. Turn on the refrigerator, run the dishwasher, open the oven, and check that the microwave, range, and disposal function properly.
Utilities
Turn on water and check all faucets and toilets. Run the garbage disposal. Test the HVAC system by running both heat and air conditioning. Flip all light switches and test outlets with a phone charger or plug-in device.
Exterior
Walk the property to check landscaping, fence condition, and any pool equipment if applicable. Test the garage door opener and check that both the automatic and manual release work properly. Look for any new construction or modifications that were not approved.
Common Final Walkthrough Issues
Here are the most common problems buyers discover during the final walkthrough:
- Seller hasn't completed agreed-upon repairs from the inspection
- Seller removed fixtures that were supposed to stay with the property
- New damage from the move-out process (scratched floors, dented walls, broken doors)
- Appliances that were supposed to convey are missing or have been swapped
- Water damage from a leak that started after the seller moved out
- HVAC system not working properly
What to Bring to the Walkthrough
- Your purchase contract, to verify exactly what is included in the sale
- A flashlight, for checking the attic, crawlspace, and other dark areas
- A phone, for taking photos and video of the entire property
- Your agent, they know what to look for and can spot issues you might miss
- Optional: outlet tester, about $10 at any hardware store, to verify outlets are wired correctly
When Problems Are Found
If you discover issues during the walkthrough, here is what to do:
- Document everything with photos and video. Clear evidence is your strongest negotiating tool.
- Notify your agent immediately. Do not wait until closing day to raise concerns.
- Your agent can negotiate repairs or a credit before closing to cover the cost of fixing the issue yourself.
- In severe cases, you may be able to delay or cancel closing. Check your contract for the specific terms and deadlines.