You’re almost there—your loan is approved, the appraisal is done, and closing day is right around the corner. But before you sign on the dotted line, there’s one last important step: the final walk-through.
This is your last chance to inspect the home before it officially becomes yours. If you skip this step or rush through it, you could end up with unresolved repairs, missing appliances, or hidden issues that cost you later.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- What a final walk-through is (and why you NEED to do it)
- The biggest things to check before closing
- What to do if you find a problem at the last minute
Step 1: What Is a Final Walk-Through?
The final walk-through happens a day or two before closing and is your opportunity to:
- Make sure the home is in the same condition as when you made your offer
- Verify that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed
- Ensure that appliances and fixtures are still in place
- Catch last-minute issues before signing the paperwork
Important: The final walk-through is NOT a home inspection. It’s a quick check to make sure nothing has changed since your last visit.
Step 2: What to Check During Your Walk-Through
When you arrive at the home, take your time and check the following:
- Repairs: If the seller agreed to fix anything after the home inspection, verify that the work was actually done.
- Utilities: Turn on the lights, run the faucets, flush toilets, and test the HVAC system.
- Doors & Windows: Make sure they open, close, and lock properly.
- Appliances: If the home includes appliances, check that they are still there and in working condition.
- Leaks & Water Damage: Look under sinks and around ceilings for any signs of leaks that may have occurred since your last visit.
- Leftover Items: The home should be completely empty unless you agreed to keep certain items. If the seller left behind furniture or trash, request that it be removed before closing.
Step 3: What If Something Is Wrong?
If you find an issue during the final walk-through, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.
- If a repair wasn’t completed: Your agent can negotiate a credit or delay closing until the work is done.
- If something is missing (like an appliance): The seller is responsible for leaving anything included in the contract. Your agent can request a resolution.
- If there’s major new damage: You can request that the issue be fixed before closing—or, in extreme cases, walk away from the deal.
Pro Tip: Bring a checklist to your final walk-through so you don’t miss anything!
Final Thoughts: Your Last Chance to Catch Issues
- Never skip the final walk-through—this is your last chance to check everything.
- Double-check that repairs were made and appliances are still in place.
- If something is wrong, speak up before signing the closing papers.
A smooth final walk-through means peace of mind on closing day. Don’t rush it—this is your future home, so make sure it’s exactly how you expect it to be!
Watch the Full Conversation
Want to know exactly what to look for during your final walk-through? Watch this part of the discussion here:
Video Timestamp: 52:10 - 58:45
In Part 9, we’ll talk about closing day—what to expect, what to bring, and how to make sure everything goes smoothly. Stay tuned!
#Realtor #RealEstateAgent #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #InvestmentProperty