14 Things to Check on Your Final Walk-Through

Your final walk-through ensures that the property you plan to buy meets your expectations before closing. You’ll go through every room in the home and check the exterior to confirm that its condition matches what you saw the last time you were at the property. In some cases, the home may be in even better shape if you've negotiated for renovations or repairs.

This is an important step in the homebuying process, allowing you to verify that everything that conveys with the sale is in place and that the seller has addressed any agreed-upon updates in your purchase agreement.   

"The walk-through is likely the first time the buyer has seen the house without furniture or anything on the walls, so it's important to note any damage that may have happened during move out," says Scott Garnett, a real estate agent with Samson Properties in Richmond, Virginia. "I highly recommend every buyer do the walk-through so that you can make sure that everything agreed upon is still there.”    

Before your final walk-through, you'll want to be fully informed and prepared to handle anything unexpected. To help, we've compiled a checklist detailing what to bring, what to check and what to do if issues arise.    

1. Negotiated repairs: If you negotiated any repairs before purchase, your final walk-through is the last opportunity to confirm that the seller fixed these issues to your satisfaction. If you included an inspection contingency in your offer, use your home inspection report to confirm that any outstanding repairs were addressed. If you’re receiving a seller credit for repairs, ensure the issue is as described in the inspection report or your sales contract. 
2. Cleanliness: Ensure the house is in broom-clean condition, meaning the seller has removed all personal items and trash and swept or vacuumed. Don’t forget the garage. 
3. Items that transfer with the sale: If agreed upon in the sales contract, ensure that light fixtures, ceiling fans, window treatments, appliances, and other equipment remain.   
4. Utilities: All utilities should be on to allow you to check the electrical, water, plumbing and gas.   
5. Appliances: Your walk-through is a great opportunity to confirm that the home’s appliances are working as expected. Turn on kitchen appliances, such as the dishwasher, stove, microwave and garbage disposal, and confirm that the refrigerator and freezer work as expected. Also, check that the washer and dryer are in good working order. 
6. Water leaks and clogs: Check the water by running the faucets, flushing the toilets, and checking for any unexpected leaks or clogs.  
7. Electrical system: Test the outlets, ceiling fans and light switches in every room. A small item like your phone charger is a great way to test electrical outlets.  
8. Mold: Double-check around plumbing fixtures for signs of water damage or mold that could have developed after inspection. Also, check attics, basements and crawl spaces for standing water, mold or mildew.   
9. HVAC system: Switch on the heating and air conditioning to test proper functionality. 
10. Walls, floors and ceilings: Carefully inspect walls, floors and ceilings for cracks, stains or drywall damage that might have been previously hidden by wall hangings or furniture.   
11. Doors and windows: Check for missing window screens, and test each door and window to ensure that locks and seals function and that nothing is loose or broken.  
12. Garage door: It’s common to receive the garage door opener with the keys at closing, but you should still check to ensure the garage opens and closes as it should.    
13. Exterior features: Walk the property and examine the exterior walls, roof and gutters. Check the condition of outdoor structures such as decks, patios and sheds.    
14. Signs of pests: Check for any signs of roaches, mouse droppings or evidence of termite damage throughout the home.    

Your real estate agent will be with you at the walk-through to help guide you through the process and answer any questions, but it’s smart to have these essentials with you to help check the property's condition. 

• Phone: Photograph anything you want to make a record of or cross-check with your home inspection. Your phone’s flashlight might be handy for attics, basements or other dark spaces.   
• Inspection report: If the seller agreed to repairs after the home inspection, check the inspection report to confirm that these concerns have been addressed.   
• Purchase agreement: The details of your purchase agreement can help guide you through what should and should not be in the home.    
• Tape measure: Your walk-through is a good opportunity to measure the space for your furniture or check room sizes if you plan to install new flooring.  
• Notebook and pen: Be ready to note any issues or questions you want to address before closing or even interior design ideas.     

Walk-throughs are customarily scheduled one or two days before closing, allowing time to address issues before title transfer. Your real estate agent will help facilitate your walk-through prior to closing.  

No, the seller should not be at the final walk-through. You and your agent should be the only ones there so that you can review the condition of the property without any pressure or scrutiny from the seller. Unless otherwise negotiated, it’s also expected that the seller has moved out and the property is fully vacant.  

You may be able to renegotiate your offer if you find new damage or issues during the final walk-through that should have been revealed as part of a seller’s disclosure. Your real estate agent can help you determine the best course of action, which could include requesting repairs, renegotiating the purchase price or asking for a seller credit.     

Take photos, videos or notes to document any issues that you notice during your walk-through so that your concerns can be addressed. "It doesn't happen often, but if we find anything during the walk-through, I'll contact the seller's agent and negotiate getting repairs done," Garnett says. 

Yes, a buyer can back out after the final walk-through if the property's condition has significantly changed or the home does not meet the requirements specified in the sales contract. However, issues such as these are typically discovered much earlier in the homebuying process. Review your home inspection report thoroughly before your walk-through to address any areas of concern.   

A walk-through provides the opportunity to make sure that the home is in the condition that’s expected. It’s an opportunity to address any concerns before you go to closing, where you’ll sign the paperwork that officially transfers property ownership to you.  

As you complete your walk-through, pay particular attention to any repairs that the seller agreed to and make sure that the condition of the property matches what is specified in your sales contract. This is your last chance to ensure you’re getting the home you agreed to buy, so take your time and don’t hesitate to raise concerns if something isn’t right.