Final Walkthrough Checklist for Homebuyers What to Inspect Before Closing

The final walkthrough is your last chance to make sure the home is ready before the keys become your keys. Think of it like checking your fries before leaving the drive-thru. Most of the time, everything is fine. But if something is missing, you want to know before you pull away.

This step usually happens shortly before closing, often within a day or two. The goal is simple: confirm the home is in the agreed-upon condition, repairs are complete, and nothing has changed since the inspection or contract agreement.

Bring your phone, charger, a notebook, your purchase agreement, inspection repair list, and your best “I notice things” energy. Sherlock Holmes would be proud.

A quiet room is easier to inspect when you know what to look for.

Start with the big picture

Before testing every switch like a kid in an elevator, take a slow walk through the property. Look at the home as a whole.

Check whether the seller has moved out, unless the agreement says otherwise. Confirm that personal items, trash, and debris are gone. A forgotten paint can is one thing. A garage full of mystery boxes is another.

Look for new damage, especially in areas where furniture used to sit. Once the couch is gone, the scratched floor or wall dent may finally make its dramatic entrance.

Pay attention to:

• Fresh stains on floors or ceilings

• Scratched hardwood or cracked tile

• Holes in walls from removed TVs, shelves, or artwork

• Broken blinds or damaged screens

• Missing items that were supposed to stay with the home

  
  

If something looks different from your last visit, take a photo and write it down. Memory is helpful, but photos do not panic or forget things.

Inspect appliances and fixtures

Appliances are a big part of the final walkthrough checklist for homebuyers because they are easy to overlook when everyone is focused on closing papers. If the contract says certain appliances stay, make sure they are still there and working.

Test what you can safely test:

• Turn on the oven and stovetop

• Run the dishwasher through a short cycle

• Check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures

• Start the built-in microwave

• Test the garbage disposal

• Run the washer and dryer if included

  
  

For fixtures, walk room by room. Turn on lights, ceiling fans, bathroom fans, and any included smart-home devices. Make sure faucets run hot and cold. Look under sinks for leaks while the water is running.

Do not assume “it worked during the inspection” means it works today. Moving out can be chaotic. Things get bumped, unplugged, removed, or accidentally damaged. Homes are sturdy, but humans carrying couches are basically wrecking balls with sneakers.

Running water can reveal leaks, low pressure, and fixture problems fast.

Check doors, windows, locks, and screens

Doors and windows do more than open and close. They affect comfort, security, and energy use. During the walkthrough, test them like you actually plan to live there, because, good news, you do.

For exterior doors:

• Open and close each door fully

• Test the locks and deadbolts

• Check weatherstripping

• Look for cracks, sticking, or loose handles

  
  

For interior doors:

• Make sure bedroom and bathroom doors latch

• Check closet doors and sliders

• Look for damage behind doors

  
  

For windows:

• Open, close, and lock them

• Check for cracked glass

• Look for torn screens

• Watch for fogging between panes

  
  

Ask for all keys, garage remotes, gate openers, mailbox keys, and any alarm codes that should transfer. If the seller used smart locks, ask how access will be reset. You do not want a doorbell camera still connected to someone else’s app. That is less “welcome home” and more “mildly creepy sitcom plot.”

Confirm repairs, cleanliness, and included items

If the seller agreed to repairs, bring the written repair list with you. Do not rely on a vague “they fixed it.” Look at each item and ask for receipts or documentation when appropriate.

Check repairs such as:

• Plumbing fixes

• Roof or gutter work

• Electrical repairs

• HVAC service

• Drywall or flooring repairs

• Pest treatment, if agreed upon

  
  

The home should also be left in the condition required by your contract. Many agreements call for the property to be free of personal belongings and debris. That does not always mean hotel-level sparkle, but it should not look like a raccoon hosted a yard sale.

Look inside cabinets, closets, attic spaces, sheds, and the garage. Sellers sometimes forget items in out-of-sight areas. Also confirm that included items stayed behind, such as curtain rods, built-in shelving, mounted fixtures, or appliances listed in the contract.

Repairs should match what was agreed to before closing day.

Take notes and ask the right questions

The final walkthrough is not the time to be shy. If something seems off, ask. You are about to make a very large purchase, not borrow a lawn chair.

Good questions include:

• Were all agreed-upon repairs completed?

• Do you have receipts, warranties, or contractor paperwork?

• Are there manuals for appliances or systems?

• Where are the shutoff valves for water and gas?

• Where is the electrical panel?

• Are there filters, extra keys, remotes, or access codes?

• Has anything changed since the inspection?

  
  

Take notes as you go, either on paper or in your phone. Photograph anything damaged, missing, incomplete, or unclear. If there is a problem, your agent can help determine whether it should be resolved before closing, handled through an agreement, or reviewed with the appropriate professional.

This is informational only and not legal advice. Contracts vary, so ask your real estate agent or attorney if you are unsure how to handle a walkthrough issue.

FAQ

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

Tell your agent right away. Depending on the issue and your contract, the parties may agree to a repair, credit, escrow holdback, delayed closing, or another solution.

How long does a final walkthrough take?

Plan for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Larger homes, homes with repair agreements, or properties with outbuildings may take longer.

Should the house be completely empty?

Usually, yes, unless the contract says certain items can remain. Built-in fixtures and agreed-upon appliances should stay. Trash and personal belongings should be removed.

Can I skip the final walkthrough?

Skipping it is risky. Even if the inspection went well, damage can happen during move-out. The walkthrough gives you one last look before closing.

A written checklist keeps small problems from slipping through the cracks.

Make the final walkthrough count

The final walkthrough is not just a formality. It is your last practical checkpoint before the home officially becomes yours. Move slowly, test what matters, take notes, snap photos, and ask questions when something does not look right.

A careful walkthrough can save stress, money, and the deeply unpleasant surprise of discovering the refrigerator left with the seller.

If you want help preparing for your closing walkthrough, contact Shana for homebuying guidance before closing day sneaks up wearing tap shoes.