The closing date is circled on your calendar, the loan is approved, and your moving boxes are packed. It feels like the hard part is over, right? Almost! But before you grab the keys, there’s one critical step you absolutely cannot skip: The Final Walkthrough.
This short, often informal visit—usually 24 hours before closing—is your last chance to inspect the property and ensure everything is as it should be. Think of it as your final quality check before the biggest purchase of your life.
🧐 What Exactly is a Walkthrough?
In real estate, a walkthrough is a scheduled visit to the home you are purchasing, usually guided by your real estate agent. It is not a full home inspection (that should have been completed much earlier). Instead, it serves two primary purposes:
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To confirm the property is in the same condition as when you signed the purchase agreement.
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To verify that any agreed-upon repairs or conditions (often resulting from the inspection) have been completed correctly.
🛠️ The 5 Critical Checks During Your Walkthrough
Don’t just stroll through with rose-colored glasses-make sure to do a full walkthrough! Be methodical and test everything you can. Bring your copy of the contract and the repair addendum.
1. Check for Condition Changes
Did the seller cause any damage while moving out? Look for the following during your walkthrough:
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Freshly damaged walls, scuffed floors, or broken fixtures.
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Missing items that were included in the sale (e.g., specific appliances, light fixtures, window treatments).
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Any signs of new leaks or moisture.
2. Verify Agreed-Upon Repairs
If the seller agreed to fix the leaky faucet or replace the cracked window, now, during your walkthrough, is the time to confirm the work was done and done properly.
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Ask for receipts or documentation of the repairs.
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Test the fix: If a pipe was repaired, run the water.
3. Test the Mechanics
Give the house a final run-through of its systems:
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Flip every light switch (interior and exterior).
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Run all faucets and flush the toilets.
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Test major appliances that are conveying (e.g., dishwasher, oven).
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Run the HVAC system (both heating and A/C) for a few minutes.
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Open and close all windows and doors (including the garage door).
4. Check for Debris and Cleanliness
The contract usually stipulates that the house must be “broom clean” and free of trash.
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Is the seller’s trash, old furniture, or personal belongings gone?
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Check the basement, garage, and yard for abandoned items.
5. Assess the Exterior During Your Walkthrough
Don’t forget the outside!
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Look for any damage to the roof, siding, or landscaping.
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Make sure garden sheds or other included structures are intact.
🛑 What Happens If Something is Wrong?
Discovering an issue during the walkthrough can be stressful, but your real estate agent is there to help! Do not panic.
If you find damage, missing items, or incomplete repairs, your agent will immediately contact the seller’s agent. Typically, the solution involves one of two things:
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Delaying the closing until the issue is rectified.
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Placing funds in escrow—a specified amount of the seller’s proceeds is held by the closing agent until the seller completes the necessary repairs or fixes the damage after closing.
The takeaway: Never close on a house if you are not fully satisfied with the condition you find during the final walkthrough. It is your right and your responsibility to confirm the property is ready for you.
Your final walkthrough is your insurance policy. Use this time wisely, be thorough, and ensure your dream home is exactly what you expect before the final papers are signed! Contact me today to learn more at 647-995-3391 or via email at [email protected]. You can also visit my website by clicking here.
