Your Final Walkthrough: What to Check Before Closing

Timing the Walkthrough

The final walkthrough usually happens 24–72 hours before closing. Schedule it as close to closing as possible — you want the house to reflect the condition it will be in on closing day.

Do a daytime walkthrough. You will see things you might miss at dusk or in artificial light.

What Should Still Be in the House?

Your contract specifies what stays and what goes. Standard items that stay:

• Appliances: Refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave (check your contract) - Window treatments: Blinds, curtains, curtain rods - Light fixtures and ceiling fans: Unless the contract explicitly excludes them - Thermostats, doorbells, security system equipment - Built-in shelving and cabinets

If you negotiated for specific items to stay (washer/dryer, refrigerator) — confirm they are still there and working.

What Should Not Be There?

The seller should have removed: - All personal belongings and furniture - Trash and debris from the house and yard - Any items explicitly excluded in the contract (e.g., a specific chandelier)

If the seller promised to leave something and it is gone, flag it to your agent immediately.

Your Walkthrough Checklist

Inside the house: - Turn on every light switch. Make sure all lights work. - Flush every toilet. Check for running or slow-flushing issues. - Run every faucet (hot and cold). Check water pressure. - Open and close all windows and doors. They should operate smoothly. - Test the stove, oven, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. - Turn on the HVAC system. Make sure heat and AC work. - Check for signs of water damage (stains on ceilings or walls, musty smells). - Check that the water heater is working.

Outside the house: - Walk the property line. Make sure no debris was left behind. - Check that garage door opens and closes properly. - Look for any new damage (storm damage, broken fences) that happened after inspection.

Items to verify: - Garage door openers and remote controls - Mailbox keys and any other keys the seller was supposed to leave - Manuals and warranty documents for appliances (if promised) - Any alarm system codes or instructions

What to Do If You Find Problems

Not every issue is worth delaying closing. Minor problems (a burned-out bulb, a dirty carpet) are not deal-breakers.

Serious issues that justify action: - Major damage since inspection (broken window, new water leak) - Missing items that should stay per contract - Damaged appliances that were working at inspection - Unsafe conditions (exposed wiring, broken stairs)

For serious issues, your options: 1. Ask the seller to fix it before closing 2. Negotiate a credit at closing 3. Delay closing until it is resolved (last resort)

Document Everything

Take photos and videos during the walkthrough. If there is a dispute later about the condition of the home, visual evidence solves it.

The Bottom Line

The walkthrough is your last check — not a second inspection. You are verifying that the home is in the condition you agreed to. Keep your agent involved, flag problems quickly, and do not sign closing documents until you are satisfied.