When Should the Final Walkthrough Take Place?

A final walkthrough is a significant step for homebuyers, offering a crucial opportunity to inspect a property before closing. This inspection allows buyers to confirm the home’s condition aligns with their expectations and the purchase agreement terms. It serves as a final verification point before ownership transfer.

Purpose of the Final Walkthrough

The walkthrough’s primary purpose is to confirm the property remains in the agreed-upon condition as outlined in the purchase agreement. This involves checking that any negotiated repairs or concessions have been completed satisfactorily. Buyers also verify no new damage has occurred since their last visit.

The walkthrough also ensures the property is vacant and in a “broom-clean” condition, meaning sellers have removed all personal belongings and left the home tidy. This inspection is the buyer’s last chance to confirm all contractual obligations regarding the property’s state are met before the sale is finalized. It helps prevent unexpected issues from surfacing immediately after closing.

Determining the Walkthrough Schedule

The final walkthrough typically occurs as close to the closing date as possible. Most real estate professionals recommend scheduling it within 24 to 48 hours before closing. This window allows sufficient time to identify and address any minor discrepancies or new damage that may have arisen during the seller’s move-out process.

Holding the walkthrough just before closing minimizes further changes to the property’s condition after the buyer’s final review. While some might suggest the morning of closing, a day or two prior offers a small buffer for immediate, minor resolutions without delaying the closing. The buyer’s real estate agent typically coordinates this schedule with the seller’s agent to ensure the property is accessible and ideally vacant for the inspection.

Essential Items to Verify

During the walkthrough, buyers should meticulously check various aspects of the property. Verify the functionality of all major systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems. This means testing faucets, flushing toilets, and turning lights and outlets on and off throughout the home.

Buyers should confirm that all agreed-upon repairs, as stipulated in the purchase agreement, have been completed to an acceptable standard. Ensure all appliances and fixtures included in the sale are present and in working condition. The property should be free of the seller’s personal belongings, and there should be no new damage to walls, floors, or ceilings that might have occurred during the move.

Handling Issues Identified

Should issues be discovered during the final walkthrough, immediate action and proper documentation are necessary. Buyers should promptly photograph or video record any discrepancies, such as new damage, uncompleted repairs, or items left behind. This visual evidence provides clear proof of the problem.

The buyer’s real estate agent should be notified immediately, as they will communicate with the seller’s agent to seek a resolution. Depending on the severity, options may include the seller fixing the issue before closing, negotiating a credit to the buyer at closing, or placing funds in an escrow account to cover future repairs. In some instances, a significant problem might necessitate delaying the closing to allow for adequate time to resolve the issue.