Step 8 FINAL WALKTHROUGH

Imagine you’re all set to buy your dream home, but just before signing the paperwork, your real estate agent reminds you that there's one last important step: the final walkthrough. This is your last chance to make sure everything is in the condition the seller promised. You get to check if the house is still in great shape and if all the repairs, updates, or appliances listed in the contract are actually there. Skipping this step is like buying a car without test-driving it—risky business! The excitement is building, but this walkthrough is crucial to make sure your new home doesn’t come with unwanted surprises.


Remember that old Richard Pryor movie, Moving? Pryor’s character bought a house and when he moved in, he found that the sellers had taken EVERYTHING with them, even the stairs to the second floor and the swimming pool! You don’t want that happening to you. This final walkthrough is your golden opportunity to prevent any "wait, where did the kitchen go moments?". So, don’t rush it, take your time, and make sure the house is exactly how it should be before signing those papers.

FINAL WALKTHROUGH CHECKLIST

1. What is a Final Walkthrough?

  • A final walkthrough is your last chance to inspect the home before closing on your mortgage. It allows you to check for damage, problems, or issues that might have come up since your last visit. You also get to ensure the home is in the condition the seller promised.
  • Even though it's not required, skipping it is like playing a game of chance. Don't gamble with your future home—take this opportunity to double-check everything!

2. Who Attends a Final Walkthrough?

  • Typically, the buyer and the buyer’s real estate agent attend the walkthrough. The seller and their agent are usually not present, so you won’t feel pressured while inspecting the home.
  • This private time allows you to thoroughly review everything without anyone trying to rush you.

3. What Should You Look for During a Final Walkthrough?

  • Visual Assessment: Check both the inside and outside of the home for any obvious damage or issues. Make sure the seller has completely moved out and the property is in “broom-swept” condition (clean and free of debris).
  • Test Systems: Run the HVAC, flush the toilets, test faucets and showers, check outlets, lights, and doorbell, and ensure all included appliances work properly.
  • Check for Damage: Ensure there are no pests or mold, and that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

4. How Long Does a Walkthrough Typically Take?

  • Depending on the size of the property, a walkthrough can take anywhere from half an hour to a few hours. Larger homes or properties with lots of amenities will require more time, so don’t rush this important step.

5. When Should You Schedule a Final Walkthrough?

  • Schedule your walkthrough 24 hours before closing. This gives you one last look at the property before the deal is finalized. The house should be unoccupied so you can see the home in its true condition.

6. What Should You Bring to a Final Walkthrough?

  • Agreement of Sale and Inspection Reports: Keep track of what repairs should have been completed.
  • Notepad or Phone: Note any issues or questions, and take pictures if necessary.
  • Outlet Tester & Flashlight: Test electrical outlets and inspect darker areas like basements and attics.

7. What Should You Do if You Find Issues During the Final Walkthrough?

  • If any issues pop up during your walkthrough, tell your real estate agent immediately. They can help negotiate with the seller to fix the problems or offer a credit at closing. This might delay the process, but it's better to sort out any issues before you close on the home.

The Bottom Line...

A final walkthrough is essential for ensuring that the home you’re about to buy is in the condition the seller promised. While it’s not required, it's highly recommended because it allows you to check for any last-minute issues, confirm that repairs were made, and make sure nothing has been removed from the property that shouldn’t have been. Skipping this step could leave you with buyer's remorse and unexpected problems.


Just think back to Richard Pryor’s character in Moving, who didn’t read the purchase agreement and ended up with an empty house—no kitchen, no stairs, not even a swimming pool. You definitely don’t want to experience something like that! Doing a thorough final walkthrough can save you from a nightmare scenario and ensure your new home is ready for you to move in.

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

Don’t wait. Take the final walkthrough seriously! This is your last chance to catch any issues before closing on your new home. Make sure everything is in working order, that all promised repairs are complete, and that nothing important has been removed from the house.


It's better to take the time now than regret skipping this important step later! Trust your real estate agent and work together to ensure that everything is perfect before you sign on the dotted line. This is what we do for all of our clients.

SO WHAT'S NEXT?

Great job so far, and now it is time to proceed to the LAST STEP. You are almost there, and it is real exciting now knowing that you are only 3 more days until you get your keys to your brand new home. BUT! The next step is all about the paperwork. This is the part where you have to sign a ton of documents and then you finally get your keys. This is called the Closing. Although, it is not as simple as that.


Click the link below to go to the next step.