What Should You Look for During a Final Walkthrough?
Adam Cannon July 20, 2026
Adam Cannon July 20, 2026
Buying a home involves a lot of important milestones, from touring properties and submitting an offer to completing inspections and securing financing. By the time closing day arrives, it's easy to assume everything is finished.
However, there's one final step that shouldn't be overlooked: the final walkthrough.
A final walkthrough gives buyers the opportunity to visit the property one last time before signing the closing documents. While it's usually a quick visit, it serves an important purpose by helping confirm that the home is in the condition agreed upon in the purchase contract.
Knowing what to look for during your final walkthrough can help you avoid unexpected surprises and walk into closing with greater peace of mind.
A final walkthrough typically takes place within a day or two of closing, although the exact timing depends on the terms of the transaction.
Its purpose isn't to perform another home inspection or search for new issues. Instead, it's your opportunity to verify that the home is substantially in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it.
If repairs were negotiated after the home inspection, this is also your chance to confirm those items have been completed as agreed.
Think of the walkthrough as a final confirmation before ownership officially changes hands.
One of the first things you should do is simply walk through the property and compare it to what you expected.
Has anything changed since your last visit?
Is there any noticeable new damage to walls, floors, ceilings, windows, or doors?
While normal wear from moving is understandable, significant changes should be discussed before closing.
The goal is to ensure you're receiving the property in substantially the same condition outlined in your contract.
You don't need to spend hours testing every outlet or appliance, but it's a good idea to verify that the home's major systems are still functioning.
Run faucets to confirm water is working properly.
Flush toilets.
Turn lights on and off.
Test the heating and air conditioning if appropriate for the season.
Open and close the garage door.
Check that built in appliances included with the sale are still operational.
Most of the time, everything works exactly as expected. Still, taking a few minutes to verify these items can provide valuable peace of mind.
If the seller agreed to make repairs during the inspection negotiations, the final walkthrough is the time to verify that those repairs have been completed.
Depending on the situation, buyers may also receive invoices or documentation showing the work was performed.
If something appears unfinished or different from what was agreed upon, it's much easier to address it before closing than after the sale has been completed.
Your purchase contract specifies which items stay with the home.
This may include kitchen appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans, window treatments, or other agreed upon features.
During the walkthrough, confirm that these items remain in the home and haven't been removed before closing.
It's a simple step, but one that's worth taking.
Once the home is empty, you may notice things that weren't visible before.
Furniture can hide flooring damage, wall imperfections, or other issues.
While most sellers leave their homes in excellent condition, an empty house provides a much clearer view of every room.
This is also a good opportunity to make sure the seller has removed personal belongings unless the contract specifies otherwise.
It's completely normal to notice small nail holes, minor scuffs, or other cosmetic imperfections during a walkthrough.
These items are common when someone has recently moved out and generally aren't the purpose of a final walkthrough.
Instead of searching for tiny flaws, focus on the overall condition of the home and whether it matches what you agreed to purchase.
Keeping the big picture in mind will help make the walkthrough more productive and far less stressful.
For many buyers, the final walkthrough is exciting because it represents the last step before receiving the keys to their new home.
It's also an opportunity to slow down, ask questions if necessary, and confirm that everything is ready for closing.
While problems are uncommon, identifying an issue before signing the final paperwork is almost always easier than trying to resolve it afterward.
A careful final walkthrough helps ensure you're taking ownership of the home you expected, allowing you to head to the closing table feeling informed, confident, and ready to begin your next chapter.
Adam Cannon, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Realty | West Hartford
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Whether buying, selling, or exploring your options, I am ready to help you achieve your goals. With experience, integrity, and commitment, I’m the partner you can count on for exceptional real estate results.