How Many Walk Throughs Before Closing?

Before finalizing a home purchase, a walk-through is a crucial step. This process allows buyers to verify the property’s condition and ensure it aligns with contractual agreements. It serves as a final verification before assuming ownership.

Understanding the Purpose of Walk-Throughs

Walk-throughs before closing confirm the property remains in the agreed-upon condition as outlined in the purchase agreement. This step differs from a comprehensive home inspection, which evaluates the home’s structural and system integrity. A walk-through ensures any agreed-upon repairs have been completed and no new damage has occurred. It is the buyer’s last chance to verify the property’s state before the transaction is complete.

Common Walk-Through Stages Before Closing

While the exact number can vary, at least one walk-through is customary, with a final walk-through typically occurring immediately before closing. An initial walk-through may happen after an offer is accepted to confirm the property’s general condition. If the home inspection reveals issues, a subsequent walk-through might verify that agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

The final walk-through is usually scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of the closing date. This allows buyers to ensure the property is vacant, clean, and in the expected condition, with all systems operational. The number and timing of walk-throughs can be influenced by specific contract terms or unforeseen circumstances.

Key Areas to Inspect During a Walk-Through

During a walk-through, it is advisable for buyers to bring their purchase agreement and the home inspection report to cross-reference agreed-upon items and repairs.

Check all major appliances included in the sale to confirm they are functioning correctly, such as the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and laundry machines.
Test plumbing systems by flushing toilets and running water in sinks and showers to check for leaks or drainage issues.
Test electrical systems by flipping light switches and testing outlets with a phone charger or small appliance.
Ensure the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operates as expected.
Confirm windows and doors open, close, and lock properly.
Inspect walls, ceilings, and floors for any new damage or significant issues.
Verify the property’s overall cleanliness and that all seller’s personal belongings are removed, unless otherwise specified in the contract.
Review exterior elements like garage doors, landscaping, and irrigation systems, if applicable.

Addressing Discoveries and Next Steps

If issues are discovered during a walk-through, immediate documentation is important, ideally with photos and detailed notes. The buyer should promptly inform their real estate agent about any concerns. The agent will then communicate these findings to the seller’s agent to seek a resolution.

For minor problems, the seller might complete the repair before closing, or a credit might be offered at closing to cover the repair costs. For more substantial issues, options could include delaying the closing to allow for fixes, renegotiating the sale terms, or even canceling the purchase, depending on the contract. If repairs are pending, funds might be held in escrow until the work is completed to the buyer’s satisfaction.