What to Expect During the Final Walkthrough Before Closing

12 July 2025

So, you’ve made it through house hunting, negotiating, inspections, and paperwork galore. Congratulations! You’re on the home stretch—literally. But before you start picking out paint swatches and planning your housewarming party, there’s one last crucial step: the final walkthrough.

This is your last chance to make sure your soon-to-be home is in the condition it should be before signing on the dotted line. It’s not just a box to check—it’s your opportunity to ensure there are no last-minute surprises. So what should you look for? What happens if something’s amiss? Let’s dive in!

Why Is the Final Walkthrough Important?

Think of the final walkthrough as the dress rehearsal before the big show. You wouldn’t walk down the aisle without a final check of your wedding day details, right? Similarly, skipping the final walkthrough could leave you dealing with unexpected repairs, missing appliances, or even damage caused by the previous owners.

The goal is simple:
✅ Ensure agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
✅ Confirm the home is in the same (or better) condition since you last saw it.
✅ Verify that all fixtures, appliances, and systems are functioning properly.

In short, this is your moment to ensure your dream home hasn’t turned into a nightmare-in-the-making.

When Does the Final Walkthrough Happen?

Typically, the final walkthrough takes place 24 to 48 hours before closing. This timing is intentional—it gives you enough time to address any last-minute issues while ensuring that nothing drastic happens between the walkthrough and closing day.

The seller should have finished moving out by this point, leaving the home empty and ready for your inspection. If the place is still packed with their stuff, that’s a major red flag and could delay your closing.

Who Should Be at the Final Walkthrough?

Your real estate agent will (and should) tag along with you during the walkthrough. They know exactly what to look for and can help you spot potential problems. If you had a home inspection, it’s also a good idea to bring along your inspection report for reference.

Some buyers also bring along a contractor or handy friend—because let’s be honest, sometimes a second set of eyes (especially experienced ones) can make all the difference.

What to Bring to the Final Walkthrough

Be prepared! Here’s a quick checklist of things you should bring along:

- ✅ Purchase agreement – So you can verify that everything promised is still there.
- ✅ Home inspection report – To cross-check repairs.
- ✅ A phone charger – To test electrical outlets.
- ✅ A checklist of important things to inspect – Because let’s face it, you don’t want to rely on memory.
- ✅ Pen and paper (or notes app on your phone) – To jot down anything that needs to be addressed.

Now, let’s get to the fun part—what exactly should you be checking?

What to Look for During the Final Walkthrough

1. Repairs Listed in the Purchase Agreement

Did the seller agree to fix that leaky faucet? Replace the broken window? Ensure that all agreed-upon repairs are completed and done correctly. If something looks off, don’t hesitate to ask for receipts or warranty information.

2. Overall Condition of the Home

The home should be in the same condition as when you signed the contract—or better. Look for any new damage that may have occurred during the move-out process. Scratched floors, dinged-up walls, or missing light fixtures? These things should not be ignored!

3. Plumbing Checks

Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, and check for leaks under sinks. If water pressure is weak or a drip has turned into a flood, this is the time to catch it.

4. Appliances and Systems

If certain appliances were included in the sale, confirm they’re still there and working. Run the dishwasher, test the oven, and check the HVAC system to ensure everything works as expected.

5. Lights, Outlets, and Electrical

Flip every light switch, test every outlet (using that handy phone charger you brought), and make sure the doorbell works. Electrical issues can be costly, so it’s best not to discover them after moving in.

6. Doors and Windows

Ensure all doors and windows open, close, and lock properly. Check for newly cracked glass, broken locks, or missing screens. An unlocked or damaged window isn’t just a security issue—it’s an energy efficiency one too.

7. Garage Door and Remote

If the home has a garage, test the door opener. A missing or non-working remote is a small but annoying inconvenience you don’t want to deal with on move-in day.

8. Pests (Because No One Wants Uninvited Guests)

Look for signs of mice, termites, or any other creepy crawlers that shouldn’t be there. Droppings in the pantry? Chewed-up baseboards? These could be red flags that you might need an exterminator.

9. Leftover Items (Or Trash!)

Sellers should leave the home broom clean—which means no trash, furniture, or random household junk left behind. If the previous owners left behind a mountain of stuff, you might want to request a cleanup before closing.

What If You Find Issues During the Final Walkthrough?

If everything checks out, great! You’re all set to close. But what if you find problems? Here’s where it gets a little tricky.

Minor Issues

A small scuff on the wall or a forgotten broom in the garage isn’t worth delaying closing over. Some things are just part of homeownership and easy fixes.

Major Issues

If you discover an agreed-upon repair wasn’t done, an appliance is missing, or new damage is present, you have a few options:

- Negotiate a credit at closing – This means you’ll get money back to cover the cost of the repair.
- Request the seller fix it before closing – If time permits, the seller might agree to make last-minute repairs.
- Delay closing – If the issue is big enough, you can push back closing until the problem is resolved.

Your real estate agent will be your best ally in handling any last-minute hiccups.

The Bottom Line

The final walkthrough might seem like a formality, but it’s one of the most important steps before closing on your home. This is your last chance to make sure everything is in order before ownership officially transfers to you.

So take your time, check everything twice, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something’s wrong. After all, buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—you deserve for it to be just right!

Now, Are You Ready to Close?

Once the final walkthrough is complete and everything is in order, it’s time to head to the closing table and get those keys! Soon enough, you’ll be celebrating move-in day and turning your new house into a home.