So you’ve gotten approved for your mortgage, negotiated with the homeowner, and signed the contract. Congrats — you're (almost) officially a homeowner! Before closing the deal and signing the title, however, you’ll need to do a final walkthrough and go through the final walkthrough checklist.
The walkthrough is where you make sure the house is in habitable condition and that there are no lingering repair issues. A few days before closing, you and your agent will conduct an in-person walkthrough to ensure everything is in alignment with the sales agreement.
The final walkthrough is an important part of the homebuying process that can protect you from nasty surprises. This final home walkthrough checklist will help ensure you have all your bases covered.
If you discover a problem during the final walkthrough, your agent is your shield. You can use Clever to search for top agents and save on commissions and fees.
What is a final walkthrough?
The final walkthrough is a walkthrough that the buyer performs to determine whether the house is in suitable living condition and that all necessary repairs have been made.
It is essentially the last opportunity for you to verify that the home is in the shape you expect and that all contract obligations have been fulfilled.
Typically, the final walkthrough takes place one to three days before closing. The walkthrough is not the same as a home inspection. It is simply to make sure that the house is ready for move-in and that no new issues have arisen between signing the contract and closing.
The buyer and their agent are usually both present and will go through the house with a final walkthrough checklist to confirm the home’s condition.
Why the final walkthrough matters
The final walkthrough matters because it is the buyer’s last chance to make sure that the home is in the agreed-upon condition. A final walkthrough protects your investment because you can catch issues that may have arisen between signing the contract and closing.
Using a checklist can help you stay on task, ensuring you don’t miss anything important. For example, the previous homeowner might have damaged the house during the move-out process, and fixtures and appliances could have become misplaced. You can also check to see that all repairs are made, so you don’t have to deal with repair issues or headaches after they buy.
The walkthrough is also the last time the buyer can back out of the deal. If the contract details aren’t met, you can delay or cancel the sale.
A good agent spots issues fast and knows exactly how to document them. Search for the best agents using Clever!
Final walkthrough checklist
You can download this final walkthrough checklist PDF to use during your final walkthrough. Print the document, and you and your agent can go over each section as you work your way through the house.
What to bring to the walkthrough
Make sure you bring the following documents and tools to the walkthrough. These will help you ensure the house is in good condition and all contract details are satisfied:
- Purchase agreement. You need the purchase agreement to review the terms of the sale and the agreed-upon condition of the house.
- Inspection report. The inspection report outlines the property’s condition and identifies potential issues or maintenance needs.
- Phone + charger. Your phone and charger are handy to test all outlets. You can also use your phone to take pictures of problem areas.
- Flashlight. You’ll need a flashlight to inspect areas with limited lighting, such as attics, basements, or crawlspaces.
- Painter’s tape. You can use painter’s tape to mark specific issues.
- Your real estate agent. Agents have the experience to identify problems you may not notice.
Room-by-room final walkthrough checklist
Let’s go through the final home walkthrough checklist, room by room, so you have a comprehensive view of what to look for.
Some things won’t apply to your house (e.g., some homes don’t have certain appliances, such as HVAC systems).
The following lists are organized by category, allowing you to skim through them more easily to identify the relevant information. Go through each entry and make a check mark when you have completed it.
1. General interior checks
These are the main, general features that apply to the entire property, not just specific rooms:
- Confirm all agreed-upon repairs have been completed
- Home is clean and free of possessions
- No additional damage from the seller moving out
- All floors, walls, and ceilings are intact
- Secure stairs and railings
- Smoke and CO detectors are in working condition
- All light switches work
- Doors and windows open and close smoothly
- Windows can close, and doors have locks
- Outlets provide adequate electricity (use phone + charger to test)
- Faucets provide hot and cold water
- No mold or water staining
- Ensure all included items (appliances, fixtures) are present
2. Kitchen
The main thing for kitchens is to test that all appliances and fixtures work properly:
- Test the stove and oven
- Refrigerator and freezer maintain temperature
- Dishwasher cycles properly and drains
- Garbage disposal works and doesn’t clog
- Exhaust fan and oven hood work
- All cabinet drawers/doors work and have handles
- Kitchen sink drains and doesn’t leak underneath
3. Bathrooms
Bathrooms are an easy room to overlook, so double-check that all plumbing fixtures work correctly and are in good condition:
- Toilets flush and are sealed properly
- No leaks behind tubs or showers
- Showers and tubs drain properly and don’t leak
- Shower water has sufficient pressure
- Working faucets and handles
- Bathroom vent fan is running and not blocked
- Outlets are GFCI
- No mold around tubs, toilets, or vents
4. HVAC, mechanical & home systems
HVAC and mechanical issues are significant problems that could justify delaying closing. Check for the following issues:
- Heat and AC work properly
- Thermostat is responsive
- Water heater is consistent
- Circuit breakers are all labeled
- Garage door and remotes all work
- Washer and dryer are operational
- Attic/basement/crawlspaces are free of moisture
5. Exterior & yard
The last thing to check is the home exterior and yard:
- Siding, foundation, and brickwork have no damage
- Trim is in good condition
- Window screens are all intact
- Gutters and downspouts don’t sag or leak
- Deck is free from damage (e.g., wood rot)
- Exterior outlets are grounded
- Yard and driveway are clear and in good condition
- Sprinkler system (if applicable) is working
- Exterior lights are functioning
- No signs of pests around the perimeter
Final walkthrough red flags that may delay closing
In addition to your final walkthrough checklist, keep a list of red flags and repair issues to watch out for.
Take note of any red flags, and you can consult with the buyer about making further repairs:
- Structural issues. The biggest red flag in a home inspection walkthrough is structural problems. Structural issues pose a safety hazard and may mean the house doesn’t meet legal habitability requirements.
- Unfinished repairs. Unfinished repairs are a sign that the seller hasn’t finished fixing all relevant issues.
- Leaks or water stains. Leaks and water stains indicate underlying plumbing or drainage issues.
- HVAC issues. HVAC issues to watch out for include short-cycling, loud noises, and uneven heating/cooling.
- Dead or missing appliances. Included appliances like washing machines or dishwashers should be in good working condition.
- Mold and pests. Damage from mold and pests can cost thousands of dollars to remediate.
- Dirty house. The house should be clean and all surfaces wiped down, including floors, walls, ceilings, and countertops.
- Personal possessions left behind. Personal possessions like furniture, clothing, and food should be entirely absent from the home.
If you find any of these issues, your agent can be your advocate and negotiate additional repairs or cleaning.
What to do if you find problems during the final walkthrough
The final walkthrough may uncover problems, in which case you should document as much as you can with pictures and videos, including timestamps. If your agent isn’t present, you should loop them in as soon as possible.
There are a few options to resolve uncovered issues:
- You can request that the seller fix them before closing.
- You can ask the seller to cover the costs of repairs through concessions.
- You can withhold the money in escrow until the contract conditions are met.
- If contingencies permit, you can cancel the sales contract.
Absolute mandatory fixes include basic structural problems and any repairs that are stipulated in the sales contract. Other issues (e.g., wear and tear, dirtiness, etc.) are ultimately negotiable and something your agent can address.
Final walkthrough vs. inspection
The final walkthrough is different from an inspection. An inspection is an official review performed by a trained expert to identify structural repair issues.
A walkthrough is an informal review where the buyer and their agent verify the inspection reports and discuss any necessary repairs.
| Home Inspection | Final Walkthrough |
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Timelines: When does the final walkthrough happen?
The final walkthrough typically occurs 24 hours before closing, though it may happen as much as 48–72 hours before. Regardless of the exact date, the walkthrough must occur after the seller moves out.
If you identify any problems, you can schedule another walkthrough for when the issues are resolved.
There is no technical limit to how many walkthroughs you can request, but most buyers rarely conduct more than two — one initial walkthrough followed by a second final one if issues are discovered.
Get expert help spotting walkthrough issues
Our final walkthrough checklist can help streamline the process, but you always want a set of professional eyes to inspect with you. An experienced real estate agent will know what to look for and can effectively negotiate with the buyer if any issues crop up.
You can search for top local agents using Clever to find the lowest commissions and fees. Searching is free and carries no obligation, so give it a try today. You may also qualify for cash back on closing!
FAQ
What do you check during a final walkthrough?
During the final walkthrough, the buyer checks to see if the house is in the agreed-upon condition and that all contractual terms are fulfilled.
How many days before closing is the final walkthrough?
The final walkthrough typically occurs one to three days before closing, although the exact timing may vary depending on the situation.
What are the biggest red flags during a walkthrough?
Red flags during a walkthrough include structural issues, water damage, mechanical problems, and roof issues.
Can the buyer walk away after the final walkthrough?
Yes, the buyers can walk away after the final walkthrough if there are substantial repair issues. If the buyer simply gets cold feet, they may lose any earnest money they’ve put down on the property.
What is the final walkthrough document?
A walkthrough document is a checklist that the buyer can use to see that all repairs are made and that the house meets the necessary conditions for habitability.
Is the seller required to fix everything before closing?
No, the seller doesn’t necessarily have to fix every repair issue, but they do have to ensure the house meets local safety codes, satisfies lender requirements for habitability, and fulfills contractual terms.
Can you do a final walkthrough without an agent?
You can do a final walkthrough without an agent, but it’s highly recommended to have a professional on your side. An agent can advocate for you and spot issues you might not notice. An agent can also determine whether the contract terms have been satisfied.
What happens if the house is dirty during the walkthrough?
If the house is dirty, the buyer can request a cleaning credit or ask them to use escrow funds to cover cleaning. Dirtiness is usually not a valid reason to terminate a sales contract.
