Your Final Walk-Through: Why It Matters and What to Check
As you approach closing day, there’s one last (and very important) step — the final walk-through. We strongly encourage you to attend this walk-through, typically scheduled the day before closing. This is your opportunity to inspect the property one last time and ensure everything is in the expected condition before the keys officially change hands.
It’s crucial to note: any issues discovered after closing generally become your responsibility to fix. That’s why this step is so important — to protect your investment and avoid any unwelcome surprises when you move in.
To help guide you through the process, we’ve created a comprehensive Final Walk-Through Checklist. I’ll be right there with you to go over everything, but reviewing this list in advance will give you a better understanding of what we’re looking for — and why it matters.
Final Walk-Through Checklist
Take your time and inspect the following:
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Test the heating and air conditioning systems.
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Test all major appliances to ensure they’re working properly.
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Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans, including the range hood.
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Turn on and off all light fixtures.
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Run water in all sinks and check underneath for leaks.
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Test the garage door openers.
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Open and close all doors to ensure they function properly.
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Flush all toilets.
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Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for any visible damage.
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Open and close all windows to ensure proper function.
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Check that all personal items and debris have been removed from the home, garage, and any outbuildings like sheds.
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What Happens If Something’s Wrong?
If we find anything that isn’t functioning properly or appears damaged, we will:
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Document the issue with photos.
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Send a detailed description and estimated cost to your lawyer for review.
This process isn’t meant to cause stress — it’s simply a safeguard to ensure you take ownership of a home in the condition you agreed upon. After all, buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and it’s our job to make sure everything goes smoothly right up to the finish line.
