You're just days away from closing on your new home, but before you sign on the dotted line, there's one crucial step left: the final walk through. Typically conducted the day before or the morning of closing, this is your last chance to ensure everything in the home is in the condition you expected, all agreed-upon repairs are completed, and no surprises have popped up since your last visit. To help you navigate this process smoothly, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist covering all the key areas to inspect. Let’s dive in and make sure your new home is move-in ready.
Keep in mind, this is not the time to do a full inspection. Your final walk through should usually last around 30 minutes. If you want to do a reinspection with a professional before closing, plan to do that before your final walk through. Here are the major things you should check on during your final walk through:
General Condition
Walk through each room to check for new damage, stains, or cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors.
Ensure all agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
Verify that the seller has fully moved out unless otherwise agreed.
Check for any lingering odors that weren’t present before, which could indicate a new issue.
Check that the house is clean overall. Generally "broom swept" is considered standard.
Doors, Windows & Locks
Open and close all doors and windows to ensure they function properly.
Test locks, latches, and garage doors.
Look for signs of new leaks around windows and ceilings.
Check that window screens are intact and undamaged.
Ensure all doors and cabinets close properly without sticking or misalignment.
Electrical & Appliances
Turn on lights and test outlets.
Run the stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
Open and check the fridge and freezer.
Test the garbage disposal and exhaust fans.
Run the washer and dryer (if included) to ensure they function properly.
Verify that any smart home devices, doorbells, intercoms, or security systems included in the sale are working.
Plumbing
Run all faucets, flush toilets, and check for leaks under sinks.
Ensure hot water is working and water pressure is adequate.
Check for any new water stains or signs of plumbing issues.
Run the shower and bath to ensure proper drainage.
Look under the water heater for signs of leaks or corrosion.
HVAC & Ventilation
Adjust the thermostat to test heating and cooling.
Check airflow from vents in different rooms.
Look for any unusual odors or noises.
Ensure ceiling fans turn on and operate at all speed settings.
Safety & Miscellaneous
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ensure GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms work.
Check that all included items (remotes, keys, manuals) are present.
Walk through the attic, basement, and garage to ensure nothing has been left behind.
Final Steps
Compare the home's condition to what was agreed upon in the contract.
Take photos of any issues and notify the seller or agent immediately.
Confirm all doors and windows are locked before leaving.
Make sure the mailbox key, amenity key, and any access codes (gates, security systems) are provided.
Other Important Considerations
This Is Not a Full Inspection: The walk-through is your chance to confirm the home's condition hasn’t changed since your last visit, not to perform a detailed home inspection. You’re looking for new damage, incomplete repairs, or missing items, not minor cosmetic issues that were already present.
Don’t Expect a Deep Clean: The seller is generally expected to remove personal belongings but not necessarily to deep clean the home unless specified in the contract. Some contracts require "broom clean" condition, meaning the house should be free of trash and debris but not spotless. Similarly, the seller is not required to patch or paint minor holes unless specified in your contract.
Confirm Repairs, But Don’t Assume Perfection: If the seller agreed to make repairs, verify they were completed properly and request receipts if needed. However, keep in mind that even if the quality of the seller's repair may not meet your standards, as long as the repair has been made you might not be able to demand additional fixes at this stage.
Expect the House to Feel Different: An empty home can feel different than when it was staged or furnished. Minor scuffs, wall marks, or faded paint where pictures once hung may become more noticeable.
Don’t Rush, But Don’t Delay Closing Either: Schedule the walk-through as close to closing as possible (ideally the same day or 24 hours before) to avoid surprises. If serious issues arise (like major damage or missing agreed upon items), work with the listing agent or seller to resolve them before closing, but small issues shouldn’t necessarily delay the process.
Be Ready to Problem Solve, Not Just Identify Issues: If you find a problem, consider practical solutions. For example, negotiating a credit at closing rather than demanding last minute repairs. Some issues might not be worth holding up the purchase, especially if they can be easily fixed after you move in.
Final Thoughts
The final walk through is your last opportunity to catch any issues before closing on your new home. Taking the time to carefully inspect the property ensures that everything is in working order and that the seller has met all agreed upon conditions. If you spot any problems, address them with the listing agent or the seller immediately. By following this checklist, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your new home is ready for you to move in smoothly.