The final walk through

By McSharry & Associates Thursday, October 26, 2023

The final walk through is an important part of the home buying process. It typically occurs the evening before or the morning of the closing and it's the buyers' chance to ensure the house they are about to purchase is as expected. It's possible they haven't been in the home for several weeks, likely not since the home inspection, and the house might have been furnished and lived in when they were last there. Most of the time, walk throughs are uneventful and the house is in good shape. Sometimes that's not the case. If issues arise, the buyers can request that the owners fix the issue or request a credit to fix it themselves. On the rare occasion, issues flagged at the final walk through will cause delays with the closing. We always accompany our buyer clients at the final walk through and provide them the checklist below so they know what to look for.


Final Walk Through Checklist

  • Ensure that any requested repairs have been made
    • Have all repairs requested in either the sale contract or during the inspection negotiations been completed?
    • Do you have all warranties and/or receipts for repairs made?
  • Check for cleanliness
    • Is the property “broom swept” and reasonably clean?
    • Have all personal items not specifically included in the sale been removed? 
    • Is all debris removed?
  • Check for items included in the sale contract to confirm they are present and in working order.
    • Window treatments
    • Appliances
    • Lighting
    • Hot tub/sauna
    • Play structure
    • Remote controls for ceiling fans, garage doors, gas fireplaces, etc.
    • Owner’s manuals for appliances and home systems
  • Check windows and doors
    • Do they open and close properly?
    • Are all the screens in place?
    • Are all the storm windows accounted for?
    • Are any windows broken?
  • Check appliances and systems
    • Start dishwasher
    • Test air conditioner, if the temperature is sufficient
    • Test the heating system
    • Turn on overhead fans
    • Test the water heater. Does water from faucets get hot?
    • Does the alarm work?
    • Do the garage doors open and close?
    • Do the washer and dryer work?
    • Does the stove work?
    • Does the microwave work?
    • Is the refrigerator/freezer cold?
    • Does the gas fireplace work?
  • Check interior floors, walls and ceilings
    • Are there any new water stains on the ceiling?
    • Have the walls been damaged?
    • Are handrails secure?
    • Have the floors been damaged?
    • Have the doors been damaged?
  • Check for leaks and plumbing issues
    • Flush all toilets
    • Check all faucets
    • Do sinks, tubs and showers drain properly?
    • Look under sinks for signs of leaks
    • Check basement floors, walls and any exposed plumbing for signs of leaks.
  • Check electric
    • Do all the lights turn on?
    • Inspect circuit breaker box. Are any circuits off?
  • Check attic and garage
    • Are they empty?
    • Do you see any signs of pests or other issues?
  • Check exterior
    • Has the lawn been mowed/snow plowed and shoveled?

Photo credit: iStock.com/miniseries