Final Walkthrough Checklist for Homebuyers

Once you’re about to complete your homebuying process and you’ve received the go-ahead signal from the lender, there’s one important, final step you need to take before you own your new home: the final house walkthrough.

Keep reading as this blog covers the intricacies of the final walk-through checklist.

 

Final Home Walkthrough

As per PropertyLens, approximately 3 in 5 sellers conceal problems from buyers. Almost 77% of buyers report being caught unawares with surprise repairs in the first year itself.

The final home walk-thru is the last chance of inspecting the property before closing the sale. The walkthrough usually happens about 24 hours to 48 hours before the closing date. This is the time when you, as the homebuyer, have the chance to make sure that everything is in place and as agreed before you officially own the home. 

Your real estate agent can accompany you during the home walkthrough. This is what should be checked thoroughly -

• All repairs requested in the contract have been completed.
• There are no new repair or maintenance requirements since the previous inspection.
• All the agreed-upon fixtures, furniture, and appliances, as mentioned in the contract, are still in place.
• The place is in the same condition as when the offer was made.
• There are no new damages.
• All appliances and systems are working properly, as promised by the seller during the offer.
• Utilities, plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems are working properly.

Even if it's a time-consuming process, you should have a final walkthrough before closing to double-check that all agreed-upon things have been completed. 

When Should The Final Walk-Through Be Scheduled?

Schedule the final walk-through very close to the closing date of the house, after the seller completely vacates. This gives you the chance to inspect the place more closely, especially spaces where furniture or appliances were placed, concealing potential issues. The walk-through should ideally be scheduled 2 to 3 days before the closing.

You should be extra careful to inspect the place thoroughly at this point to confirm that there are no new issues since the last time you visited the property or during the offer.

Who Should Accompany You At The House Walkthrough?

Mostly, your real estate agent should be present along with you at the final walk-through. The seller generally is not required to be present unless you specifically want to meet or have them attend the walkthrough. In this case, the seller’s agent should also be present. 

As the homebuyer, you have complete control over deciding who will attend the final walkthrough. You can have the home inspector or any other technical person attend it to double-check things. Remember, you will have to pay any professional you call to attend the walkthrough.

How Long Does A House Walkthrough Take?

The time for a typical house walkthrough largely depends on the size of the house and the extent to which you scrutinize different parts of the property. For example, a 1,200 sq foot house should take about 20 minutes, and a larger house will take about one to two hours.

A successful walkthrough demands adequate time so that you can check all nooks and corners of the house, including storage spaces, doors and windows, house systems, rooms, exteriors, etc.

House Walk-Through Checklist

This walk-through inspection checklist has been prepared to assist homebuyers in conducting a smooth walk-through before closing.

General checklist points include - 

• Are there any missing items from the home? This includes door or window treatments, appliances, fixtures, etc.
• Have all the repairs that had been agreed upon with the seller been completed, and are you satisfied with them?
• Is there anything left behind that belongs to the seller, including garbage?

Home Buying Walk Through Checklist: Exterior of The Property

• From the ground, do the roof and gutters look strong and good to go?
• Is the house clean, especially after the seller has vacated the place? All trash, old paint, yard chemicals, cement mix, etc., should be out and not left behind for you to clean.
• Does the place show any signs of pest infestation, especially termites on decaying wood or droppings by rodents?
• Are the garage doors opening properly? If there's a remote for this, you might receive it during closing. Be sure to use the buttons inside the garage to cross-check the doors.
• Is the doorbell working? Is the mailbox in working condition?

Home Buying Walk Through Checklist: Interior of The Property

• Do the utilities work properly, especially water, gas, and electricity? You can switch on the big appliances like the dishwasher, stovetop, oven, dryer, and washing machine.
• Does the garbage disposal run smoothly?
• Do the fans in the bathrooms and above the stove run properly?
• Does the HVAC (Heating and Cooling) System work properly, irrespective of the outside temperatures?
• Are the toilet flush systems leaking or are they working correctly?
• Are all showers working effectively? Also, run water in the bathtubs.
• Are the ceiling fans and switches in all rooms operating without any problem?
• Is there any evidence of mold in the interiors of any room, especially spaces that were covered by furniture and fixtures?
• Are all faucets (hot and cold) working properly? Are the sinks draining water without any blockage issues? Also, check the pipes and faucets for leakages.
• Are all the outlets in proper working condition?
• Are the doors and windows opening and closing without any hitches and locking without any issues? Also, double-check for sticky doors and window screens missing.
• Cross-check the walls, ceilings, floors, baseboards, and crown molding. Have the paint repairs and caulking been done, as agreed-upon? Are there any newer signs of damage?
• Are fixtures like lights, fans, doorknobs, blinds, and other built-in fixtures intact? All of these should be in place unless they were mentioned in the final contract. These are not the personal property of the seller, unlike furniture or lamps that they can take with them as they move out.

As per US News (Real Estate), sellers are required to switch on all electrical appliances, water, and gas utilities for buyers to complete the final walkthrough.

If everything is in order, it's time to close your mortgage like a pro.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the final walkthrough?

The final walkthrough gives you one last chance to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to purchase. It’s not the same as a home inspection. Instead, it’s a final review to confirm that agreed-upon repairs were completed, included appliances or fixtures are still in place, the seller has removed their belongings, and no new damage has occurred before closing.

What should I bring to the final walkthrough?

Bring your purchase agreement, inspection report, repair addendum, and any receipts, warranties, or documentation related to seller-completed repairs. It can also help to bring your phone charger to test outlets, a flashlight, and a copy of your checklist so you can review each area of the home carefully and accurately.

What should I look for during the final walkthrough?

Check that agreed-upon repairs were completed, appliances are working, lights and outlets function, toilets flush, faucets run, heating and cooling systems turn on, and doors and windows open and close properly. You should also look for signs of leaks, water damage, pests, mold, missing fixtures, leftover trash, or new damage from the seller’s move-out process.

What happens if I find a problem during the final walkthrough?

Tell your real estate agent right away. Depending on the issue and your contract, your agent may help you request a repair, seller credit, escrow holdback, closing delay, or another solution before you close. Don’t ignore major issues! They can be harder to resolve after the home officially becomes yours.

How soon can I move in after closing?

In many cases, buyers can move in once the closing is complete and they receive the keys. However, your exact move-in date depends on the purchase contract and whether there is a separate occupancy agreement that allows the seller to stay in the home after closing. Review the contract with your real estate agent so you know when you legally get possession of the property.

Is the final walkthrough required?

A final walkthrough may not be legally required, but buyers should not skip it. This is your last opportunity before closing to confirm that the home is in the expected condition, agreed-upon repairs were completed, included items are still in place, appliances and systems are working, and no new damage has appeared.