Almost Home: Your Ultimate Final Walkthrough Checklist

Almost Home: Your Ultimate Final Walkthrough Checklist

We are so close! You’ve survived the mortgage applications, the home inspections, and the back-and-forth of negotiations. Now, there is only one small, but incredibly important, step standing between you and the keys to your new front door: The Final Walkthrough.

As your realtor, I often tell my clients that this isn't just a formality—it’s your last chance to ensure the home is in the exact condition you agreed to buy it in. We’re looking for two things: that the sellers haven't left behind any new damage (or old junk), and that all negotiated repairs were completed correctly.

To help you stay focused during the excitement, I’ve put together this comprehensive checklist. Let’s head in and check those boxes!

1. The "Big Picture" Scan

Before we dive into the details, take a breath and look at the house as a whole.

• Is it "broom clean"? Per most contracts, the home should be free of debris and vacuumed/swept.
• Are the sellers actually out? Ensure all their furniture, trash, and personal items have been removed. (Except for items you specifically agreed they could leave, like extra paint or tile).
• Is there new damage? Moving furniture is a contact sport. Check for fresh gouges in the hardwood, holes in the drywall, or scraped door frames.

2. Exterior & Grounds

• Landscaping: Is the yard in the same condition as when you made the offer? Check that no major plants or shrubs have been dug up and taken.
• The Garage: Open and close the garage door with the remote. Check that the "eye" sensors are still aligned.
• Debris: Check behind the shed or under the deck for any hidden piles of trash the sellers might have "forgotten."

3. Kitchen & Appliances

This is where most "surprises" happen. Don't be afraid to get hands-on.

• The Stove: Turn on every burner and the oven to ensure they heat up.
• The Fridge: Ensure it’s still cold and check the water/ice dispenser.
• The Dishwasher: Run a quick "rinse" cycle to ensure it drains and doesn't leak onto the floor.
• The Sink: Run the water (both hot and cold) and check underneath for any new drips. Test the garbage disposal!

4. Plumbing & HVAC

• The "Flush Test": Flush every single toilet in the house to ensure they fill and drain properly.
• The HVAC: Even if it’s 90 degrees out, we need to flip on the heat for a minute to make sure it kicks in. Do the same for the AC.
• Hot Water: Turn on the showers to ensure the water heater is still doing its job.

5. Electrical & Windows

• Light Switches: Flip them all. If a light doesn’t go on, we’ll want to check if it’s just a bulb or a bigger issue.
• Outlets: Pro tip! Bring your phone charger. Plug it into a few random outlets to make sure they have power.
• Windows: Open and close a few windows. Ensure the screens are still there and the locks work.
• Doorbell: Give it a ring!

What to Bring With Us

To make this as smooth as possible, I will have the following ready, but it’s great if you have your copies too:

1. Our Purchase Agreement: To verify which fixtures (chandeliers, curtains, etc.) were supposed to stay.
2. The Inspection Repair List: We will go through this point-by-point to verify the work was done.
3. Receipts/Invoices: I’ll ask the listing agent for any warranties or receipts for repairs made by licensed contractors.

What if we find a problem?

Don’t panic! If a burner doesn’t work or there’s a new leak, we have options. We can ask for a "repair escrow" where funds are held back at closing to cover the fix, or we can delay closing by 24 hours to let the seller address it. My job is to make sure you don't inherit someone else's headache.

Ready to go? I’ll see you at the front door!