A Complete Final Walk-through Checklist Before Closing

As the excitement of settling into your new house grows, there is one key step you shouldn't skip: the last home walk-through. It's your last opportunity to ensure that everything works as it should before handing over the keys, so it's not an empty ritual. Inspecting it as your last line of protection from unforeseen problems on and around the move-in day.

We've created a comprehensive final walk-through checklist so you can feel secure and confident. All the things you need to test are inside, such as light switches, garage door openers, heating and air, and plumbing fixtures.

This guide will help you make sure your new home truly is move-in ready before the boxes, furniture, and the next chapter of your life arrive, no matter whether this is your first or fifth house.

What is a Home Walk-Through?

The last chance you get to look over the property before the deal closes is during a home walk-through, commonly referred to as the last walk-through. Usually takes place 24 to 48 hours before the closure date, it allows you to verify that:

• The house is in its agreed-upon condition.
• Requested repairs once the house inspection had concluded.
• The furnishings and appliances that were part of the sale are still in working order.
• No new damage or challenges have occurred since your last visit.
• Unless otherwise stated, the property has been vacated.

A thorough house inspection should have been done earlier; now is not the time for it. Instead, before you sign the dotted line, you have the opportunity to confirm that everything is as promised.

The Ultimate Final Checklist for A Home Walk-through

It's important to be thorough during the last walk-through, looking at both the house's exterior and the interior. Below are comprehensive checklists of things to look for.

Home Interior
Make a particular note of the interior of the property during the last walk-through. Specifically, look at the following:

• Appliances: Examine all appliances, including the microwave, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer.
• Fans for exhaust: Check the fans in the lavatories and kitchen.
• Flooring: Look into issues on the baseboards and flooring that cannot be attended to by a vacuum, broom, or mop.
• Walls and ceilings: Examine walls, ceilings, and crown molding for fresh damage signs and ensure repairs have been made as per the original agreement.
• Windows and doors: Check the locks on all windows and doors; open and close all of them. Make sure that since the first home inspection, nobody has removed any blinds, window screens, or doorknobs.
• Plumbing fixtures: Make sure all of the faucets, bathrooms, and showers are in good working order.
• HVAC system: For the air conditioning, ventilation, and heating system (HVAC) testing, change the thermostat for a short time, irrespective of the room temperature.
• Electrical System: Use a phone charger or any other small plug-in device to test circuit breakers and electrical outlets.
• Lights: Test the ceiling fans, switches, and light fixtures. Unless otherwise agreed in the final deal, the seller should not bring these fixtures with them.
• Water flow: Verify the pressure in each shower and sink. To check the water heater's settings and functioning, you may also wish to run hot water.
• Built-in features: Analyze other built-in features, including sprinkler systems and trash disposals.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for signs of termites or rodents. Nests, chew marks, and droppings are red indicators.
• Water damage: Check for signs of water damage. Dampness, musty smells, and stains on the walls or ceilings may all be danger indicators.

Keep in mind that our list might not include everything. Therefore, pay attention to any things or problems specific to the house or the conversation with the seller. For example, you may need to confirm that a certain repair was finished to meet your needs.

Home Exterior

Very careful checks have to be done on the outside and within the house to check for any issues that require repair before you close.

• Roof and gutters: Check from the ground into the roof, gutters, and downspouts. The house needs to run off the water from the base well enough to maintain good drainage.
• Garage doors: Be sure that the garage doors and openers are functional.
• Siding: Examine the condition of the stucco or siding outside. Check for damage or cracks.
• Deck/patio: The patio, deck, and all other outside installations will be assessed.
• Mailbox: Examine the mailbox's state. Check for gaps that may allow your mail to rain, and make sure it opens and shuts without any problems.
• Doorbell: Verify that the doorbell is operating properly.
• Water damage: Check for indications of water damage. A cracked foundation or a stained condition of the siding are good examples.
• Pests: Look for holes, droppings, and various bugs' nests, as these may indicate rodent activities.
• Trash: Check that no trash or additional items, like scrap lumber or old paint cans, were left in the yard by the previous owner.

What Happens If I Find Issues During the Home Walk-Through?

Don't stress out if you find issues during the home walk-through. With the help of your real estate agent, most of the minor issues that arise are easily fixed before closing. There are four main kinds of problems you might run into:

• The furnishings or fixtures that were part of the contract have been taken out.
• Since the inspection, new maintenance or repair problems have surfaced.
• Appliances or systems formerly operating are no longer operational, and agreed-upon repairs have not been finished.

The first step is to record any problems you discover. Taking pictures or videos of the problems and noting their location and severity are examples of this. In order to decide on the best line of action, you should also talk about any problems with your real estate agent as soon as possible.

Depending on the problem, you may have to bargain with the seller for a credit at closing or repairs. In order to protect your rights as a buyer, your real estate agent may guide you through this procedure.

The home walk-through is your last opportunity to make sure that your new home is ready and that everything is in order before you take ownership. It's your last line of protection rather than just an added burden.

Thus, be patient, ask questions, and share your concerns if anything doesn't seem right. The foundation for a stress-free closure and an exciting beginning in your new house is laid by a seamless walk-through.