The Ultimate Final Walkthrough Checklist: Don’t Get Stuck with the Seller’s Problems

by Lori Collins

Buying a home is a marathon, and the final walkthrough is the home stretch. After weeks of inspections, appraisals, and paperwork, it can be tempting to rush through this last step just to get your hands on the keys. However, skipping or rushing a walkthrough is one of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make.

The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to verify that the home is in the condition you agreed to buy. Once you sign the closing papers, any issues—be it a broken dishwasher or a new hole in the wall—become your financial responsibility.

Why the Final Walkthrough is Non-Negotiable

The primary goal isn't to find new problems (that was the home inspector’s job), but rather to ensure:

Agreed repairs have been completed.
The condition of the home hasn't changed since your last visit.
The seller has vacated and removed all their belongings.

Who Should Attend and When?

Typically, you (the buyer) and your real estate agent attend. The seller and their agent are usually not present to ensure you can speak freely and test systems without pressure.

Timing is critical. Ideally, the walkthrough should happen 24 to 48 hours before closing. Some buyers prefer the morning of the closing to ensure nothing happened overnight, like a pipe bursting or a storm damaging the roof.

What to Bring to Your Walkthrough

To be fully prepared, pack a small "walkthrough kit" so you aren't left guessing while you’re on-site:

Your Contract & Inspection Report: To verify which items were supposed to stay and which repairs were promised.
A Phone Charger: The easiest way to test if electrical outlets are live.
A Flashlight: Essential for looking under dark sinks, in attics, or behind water heaters.
A Roll of Blue Painter’s Tape: If you find a new scuff or a missed repair, use a small piece of tape to mark it so it's easy for the seller or agent to locate.
Your Camera: Take photos or videos of any new issues to send to your attorney or escrow officer immediately.

7 Important Things to Check During Your Walkthrough

1. Verification of Inspection Repairs

If your home inspection revealed issues and the seller agreed to fix them, now is the time to verify the work. Don't just take their word for it. If they promised to fix a leaky faucet, run the water. If they repaired a light fixture, flip the switch.

Pro Tip: Ask your agent for copies of the receipts or warranties for any professional work performed so you know who to call if the repair fails later.

2. Appliances and Systems Test

Test every appliance included in the sale. Turn on the oven and stove burners, run a quick cycle on the dishwasher, and make sure the refrigerator is actually cold. Check the "big ticket" items too: turn the HVAC system to both heat and air conditioning to ensure the thermostat and units respond immediately.

3. Plumbing and Leaks

Water damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Flush every toilet to ensure they don't leak at the base or run continuously. Run all faucets and look inside the cabinets underneath the sinks with a flashlight to check for new dampness or drips that may have started since the inspection.

4. Windows, Doors, and Locks

Go room-to-room and open every window and door. You want to make sure they haven't been painted shut or damaged during the seller’s move. Ensure that all deadbolts and window latches work properly—security is a priority from the moment you get the keys.

5. Move-Out Damage

Moving furniture is a contact sport. It’s common for movers to scuff hardwood floors, ding drywall, or scrape door frames. Now that the house is empty, look for "fresh" damage that wasn't there during your initial tours. Check the walls and floors that were previously covered by area rugs or large furniture.

6. The "Broom Clean" Standard and Leftovers

Most contracts require the home to be "broom clean." This doesn't mean it needs a professional deep clean, but it should be free of trash and debris. Check the attic, basement, and garage. Sellers often leave behind old paint cans, tires, or bags of trash they didn't want to haul away. Unless you agreed to take these, it's the seller's job to remove them.

7. Landscaping and Exterior

Walk the perimeter of the property. Ensure the lawn has been maintained and that no exterior features—like a shed, expensive potted plants, or a specific light fixture—have been removed if they were included in the contract. Also, check for any recent storm damage to the roof or gutters that might have occurred since your last visit.

What if You Find a Problem?

If you find a major issue, don't panic, but don't sign the closing papers yet. Your agent can negotiate a "holdback" of funds in escrow to cover the repair, or the closing can be delayed until the seller fixes the issue.

A thorough final walkthrough gives you the peace of mind that your new home is exactly what you paid for.

Final Walkthrough Checklist

Property Address: ________________________________________________

Date: ____________________ Time: ____________________

1. Repairs & Inspection Items

[ ] Verify all agreed-upon repairs from the inspection are complete.
[ ] Collect receipts and warranties for professional work performed.
[ ] Confirm no new issues have appeared (water stains, cracks, etc.).

2. Appliances & Home Systems

[ ] Kitchen: Turn on all stove burners and the oven; run a short cycle on the dishwasher.
[ ] Fridge/Freezer: Confirm both are cold; check the ice maker and water dispenser.
[ ] HVAC: Turn on the Heat and the A/C via the thermostat to ensure the system responds.
[ ] Others: Test the garbage disposal, microwave, and exhaust fans.

3. Plumbing & Water

[ ] Flush all toilets and check for leaks at the base.
[ ] Run all faucets (hot and cold) and check for steady pressure.
[ ] Look under all sinks with a flashlight for signs of new leaks or dampness.
[ ] Test the water heater to ensure hot water is available.

4. Electrical & Media

[ ] Flip every light switch in the house.
[ ] Test electrical outlets (use a phone charger to verify power).
[ ] Ring the doorbell and test the garage door openers/remotes.
[ ] Confirm any smart home devices (Nest, Ring, etc.) are present and reset.

5. Windows & Doors

[ ] Open and close every window to ensure they aren't stuck or painted shut.
[ ] Check that all window and door locks function correctly.
[ ] Ensure all screens are present and undamaged.

6. Interior Condition (Move-Out Check)

[ ] Confirm the home is in "broom clean" condition.
[ ] Check walls and floors for new damage caused by the seller's movers.
[ ] Verify that the attic, basement, and garage are clear of trash and old paint cans.
[ ] Ensure all items included in the sale (curtains, light fixtures, etc.) are still there.