What to Look for During the Final Walkthrough

The final walkthrough is one of the last steps you will take before you officially own your new home. It usually happens a day or two before the closing date. This is your chance to make sure the house is in the same condition it was in when you made your offer. You are not there to test every light switch or to renegotiate the price. You are simply checking that nothing major has changed since you last saw the property. The seller should have moved out by then, or at least be nearly done moving. If the seller is still living there, the walkthrough can be a little tricky, but you still have the right to look around. Think of it as a final quality check before you sign the mortgage papers and hand over the money.

Start on the outside of the house. Walk around the entire property. Look at the yard. Is it still tidy? Did the seller promise to clean up old furniture or debris? If the seller agreed to leave certain items, like a lawn mower or garden tools, make sure they are still there. Check the driveway and walkways for any new cracks or damage that was not there before. Look at the roof from the ground. You do not need to climb up, but see if any shingles look loose or missing. Heavy rain or wind could have caused trouble since you last visited. Also check the gutters. If they are full of leaves, that might be a small issue, but it is worth noting.

Now go inside. Bring your phone to take pictures or a small notebook to write things down. Start in the kitchen. Turn on the faucet and let the water run. Check under the sink for any leaks or drips. Open the cabinets to see if they are empty and clean. If the seller promised to leave the refrigerator or stove, make sure those appliances are still there and working. Open the oven door. Look at the countertops for new cracks or stains. Do the same in every bathroom. Flush the toilets. Check for water around the base of the toilet. Run the shower or bathtub. Does the water drain quickly? A slow drain might mean a clog, which you can ask the seller to fix before closing. Look for any mold or mildew near the shower or under the sink. If you see moisture stains on the ceiling, that could mean a leak from upstairs or from the roof.

Go through each room. Look at the walls for holes, large scuffs, or new marks that were not there when you made the offer. Sellers sometimes move furniture and accidentally punch a hole in the drywall. That is something they should fix. Check the floors. If it is carpet, look for new stains or tears. If it is hardwood, look for deep scratches or water damage. Check the windows. Do they open and close easily? Is the glass cracked? Did the seller leave the window screens? Look at the doors. Open and close each interior door. Make sure they do not stick or rub against the frame. Also check the closet doors. Another important point is the thermostat. Set it to heat or cool for a minute to make sure the system kicks on. You are not doing a full HVAC inspection, but you can at least confirm the system is responding.

Do not forget the basement, attic, or garage. In the basement, look for signs of water. Check the floor for dampness. Look at the walls for efflorescence, which is a white powdery substance that can indicate moisture problems. In the attic, shine a flashlight around the rafters and insulation. Look for any signs of animal droppings or nesting. That could be a pest problem that needs attention. In the garage, confirm that the garage door opens and closes properly. If the seller promised to leave a workbench or shelving, verify those items are still there. Also check the garage floor for oil stains or cracks.

One common mistake is forgetting to check the utility room. Find the water heater and furnace. Look at the dates on them. They might be older units, but you just want to see if they are still working. If there is a sump pump in the basement, pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch it activate. That is a quick test that can save you a flooded basement later.

If you find anything wrong during the walkthrough, do not panic. Many issues are small and can be handled with a repair request before closing. For bigger problems, like a broken water heater or a major leak, you may need to delay closing until the seller fixes it. Your real estate agent will help you communicate with the seller’s agent. Bring a copy of your purchase agreement and any addendums that list what the seller agreed to repair or leave behind. That way you can compare what was promised to what is actually there.

Remember that the final walkthrough is not a second home inspection. The home inspector already looked at the big things like the foundation, electrical, and plumbing. The walkthrough is just a last look to catch anything that went wrong after the inspection or while the seller was moving out. It is also a chance to make sure the seller did not take something that was supposed to stay, like light fixtures, window coverings, or a built-in microwave. If you see something missing that was in the original listing, speak up.

If the weather has been bad, pay extra attention to ceilings and windows for signs of water intrusion. Even a small water stain can indicate a bigger problem. Take photos of anything concerning. Your real estate agent can advise you on what is a deal-breaker and what is a minor issue.

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off, ask your agent for advice. The walkthrough is your last chance to protect your investment before you close. Use it wisely, and do not rush through it. A thorough walkthrough can prevent headaches after you move in. Once you sign the closing documents, the house is yours, and fixing problems becomes your responsibility. So take the time to look under every sink, inside every closet, and at every corner. It might take thirty minutes, but it is time well spent.