Final Walk-Through Checklist for Homebuyers

The final walk-through is your last chance as the buyer to inspect the home before closing on the deal. You’ll want to examine all aspects of the home to be sure it’s in good condition and everything is working properly. 

It’s a lot to cover. To help you out, we’ve compiled a handy checklist so you can make sure you’re missing nothing important along the way.

Final Walk-Through Checklist

On the day of your final walk-through, bring with you the following items:

• The purchase and sale agreement.
• The home inspection report.
• Any written agreements with the seller about repairs.
• A phone or camera to take photos of any issues you find.
• A phone charger or small electrical item you can plug in to test the outlets.
• Your real estate agent.

During the walk-through, you should examine the interior of the home, the exterior of the building, and the property grounds.

Read More: Your Complete Home Inspection Checklist

Interior checklist 

As you examine the inside of the home, look out for the following:

• Have the seller’s belongings all been removed?
• Are all items included in the sale accounted for?
• Is there any new damage to the home?
• Has the home been left in “broom clean” condition?
• Have all required repairs been completed?
• Do the electrical system, lights, and outlets work?
• Do the heating, ventilating, and cooling systems function properly?
• Is the kitchen cleaned out and free of damage?
• Do the drains and garbage disposal operate properly?
• Do all faucets and showers run with sufficient water pressure?
• Are there any signs of leaks or water damage?
• Is all the plumbing functional?
• Do the sinks drain fully?
• Do the toilets flush fully?
• Are there signs of mold?
• Are all the appliances working?
• Does the dishwater run?
• Do the washer and dryer work?
• Does the refrigerator run?
• Do the stove and oven work?
• Is the garbage disposal functional?
• Does the gas turn on and off safely? Can you smell any leaks?
• Are there any signs of pests?
• Do all the fixtures work?
• Is the attic empty?
• Is the basement cleared out?
• Is the crawl space cleared out?
• Is the security system working?
• Do the ceiling fans work?
• Do all windows and doors open, close, and lock correctly?
• Do the garage doors open and close smoothly?
• Do the doorbells ring?

Exterior checklist 

It’s also important to check the outside of the home for the following:

• Is the exterior paint chipping?
• Is the roof in good condition? Are there any holes or leaks?
• Is the siding in good shape?
• Are the gutters cleared?
• Has the landscaping been tended to?
• Is the lawn in good shape?
• Is the pool clean and ready?
• Are the gates and fences intact? Do they work securely?
• Are there any signs of outdoor pests?
• Are the outdoor water faucets and electric outlets functional?
• Does the sprinkler system work?
• Is the storage shed empty?
• Are all the trash receptacles empty?

What Happens If You Find a Problem With the Home?

If you come across a problem during the final walk-through, then you can work with your real estate agent or Realtor to communicate with the seller and find a solution.

You may be able to negotiate a delay in the closing until the seller makes repairs or changes. If you don’t want to delay the closing, it may make more sense to have the seller cover the cost and make the repairs yourself.

In the unlikely case that the problem is serious enough to be a deal breaker, you may be able to walk away from the deal entirely.

FAQ 

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the final walk-through.

What does the seller do during the final walk-through?

The seller and their agent typically don’t attend the final walk-through. This gives the buyer more space to inspect the home and to openly talk about any issues with their agent.

How common are problems during the final walk-through?

If you come across issues during the final walk-through, it’s likely that you and the seller will be able to resolve them. According to research from the National Association of Realtors in June 2023, only 5% of purchase and sale agreements were terminated in the prior three months.

What final walk-through problems are serious enough to back out of the deal?

Problems that could be deal breakers are issues that either pose a safety risk or would be very expensive to fix — like water damage, mold, or structural issues.