The final walkthrough is usually a day before the closing date, 24 hours prior. It allows the home buyer to inspect the house a few hours before the actual closing. They get to confirm whether repairs have been made and if any upcoming issues need to be fixed before they move in.

During the final walkthrough, as exciting as finally owning a home could be, you need to remain level-headed and stay on top of your game. Rely on yourself for the facts and the contract stipulations; avoid overly relying on your real estate agent. Ensure that everything agreed upon in the contract is as is at the house.

Here are some hacks to ensure your final walkthrough checks all boxes before closing on your next home:

Have a copy of your contract

Again, inasmuch as your real estate agent is your friend, trust in yourself more. Have everything necessary ready. Some minor fixtures, such as curtain rods or shower heads, may be difficult to ascertain ownership of when buying a house. If they were included in the contract, use your copy to prove that they should remain in your possession.

Communicate, communicate.

Speak out about any issue you may have. If the contract stipulated that the house would be repainted by the final walkthrough and it hasn’t yet, voice your concerns. If the seller uses a payment method that you don’t approve of, speak out, or better yet have the funds held at escrow until the issue is resolved.

Vague terms and phrases included in the contract may lead to legal troubles in the long run if not addressed in time. Ask about any term that you feel may not be adequately expressed in the contract. Questions such as ‘What do you mean by broom-clean?’ or ‘How long will post-maintenance last?’

Have a checklist

Before the walkthrough, sit down with your real estate agent and formulate a checklist containing all the aspects of the home that you should confirm. Make it as comprehensive and detailed as possible.

This is where the crux lies. A few of the items to include in your checklist are:

• The exterior of the home. Was the hedge to be trimmed before the final walkthrough? Has the weather affected the roofing since you last came to the property?
• Water and plumbing. Does the property have clean water? And does all plumbing still work? Are there any leaking pipes? Are all toilets flushing? Is the shower working?
• Electricity and light fixtures. Does every room have electricity? And do all switches and sockets work? Were the bulbs and chandeliers replaced as you agreed on the contract?
• Air conditioning. Does it still work? Please turn it on and off and check for any discrepancies.
• Appliances. Some homes come with necessary appliances, such as refrigerators or ovens. Check whether they are present and working effectively.
• Are all doors and windows locking well?
• Confirm that all the remotes have been left in the house, and set them on an open and accessible space, such as the kitchen countertop.
• Has every item and belonging that was to be removed gone?
• Check for any sign of pest infestation.
• Check for any signs of previous fires.
• Check for any mold.
• Check the garbage disposal system.

While the final walkthrough is not an inspection, it is important to notice any changes to the property between the last inspection and the final walkthrough. This is why it is important to have your checklist divided into two. In one section, list every fixture and item that should be present and tick against it if that’s the actual case. The other section could be formulated as questions like ‘Are all faucets working?’

Bring a professional with you.

Some of these walkthrough checks may be too technical and require an experienced set of hands to test them. For instance, testing a home’s HVAC system, plumbing, technology, or security system may be too much to handle for you. Having a professional on standby will save you time and money you could have spent on repairs and purchasing new items.

Checking for all these issues should have been done during the inspection, but it is prudent to bring a professional to confirm before the closing date. This is why the final walkthrough should be scheduled hours before closing so that you get what you actually see.

Look for new cracks in walls.

Not all cracks are serious, but during the final walkthrough, you may notice new cracks that weren’t there during the last inspection. They may be caused by heavy items being moved into the house or that were caused when the seller was moving out or may reveal a serious plumbing issue.

Whichever the case, horizontal cracks may pose a safety concern that was not there during the last inspection. Check the lower floors and the basement for alarming new cracks. Halt the buying process until this is fixed.

Collaborate with the seller

Ask about any home quirks, such as the area that gets the best sunlight during the afternoons or how to communicate with the house’s AI. Be friendly with the seller, as maintaining a good relationship with them post-purchasing will benefit you. Ask about any improvements they have always wanted to include and consider them. Remember, at the time of closing, they’ve probably lived in the house longer than you, so they have more details than you do.

Ask about the neighbors, how they baby-proofed the house or where best to set up a grill. Maintain a casual nature with them, but don’t forget the priority is to get a well-functioning home, as agreed upon in the contract.

Frequently asked questions

Can I raise new issues at the final walkthrough?

No. The purpose of the final walkthrough is to confirm that the expectations discussed during the inspection are fully met.

Can I cancel the contract if the final walkthrough does not meet my expectations?

Yes, you can, but we highly advise against it. You’ve reached this far; you have attended inspections and raised contingencies. This is the final step; go for it. However, you can cancel the contract if your expectations are a deal breaker. Of course, you will need to communicate with the seller. Sometimes, it may involve the courts.

The seller refused a final walkthrough. What are my rights?

Read through the purchase agreement to check whether there is a provision that a final walkthrough is compulsory. As a buyer, you have the right to inspect the home you intend to buy before actually buying it. You also have the right to sue for damages in such a case.