Walkthrough Like a Pro

Think of the final walkthrough as your last date with the house before you officially tie the knot. It’s not about redecorating fantasies; it’s about making sure the home is exactly what you agreed to buy (or sell).

What Is a Final Walkthrough?

A final walkthrough is the buyer’s chance to inspect the property right before closing. It usually happens within 24 hours of settlement.

The goal is simple: confirm the home is in the same (or better) condition as when the contract was signed, and that any promised repairs are done.

For sellers, it’s the last opportunity to show the buyer you’ve delivered on your end of the deal.

For Buyers: What to Look For

Your walkthrough checklist should include:

• Property condition: The house should look and feel the same as when you made your offer.

• Repairs completed: Bring receipts and check the work. If the seller promised to fix the roof leak, now’s the time to confirm it’s dry.

• Personal property: Appliances, fixtures, and anything included in the contract should still be there. The seller’s old treadmill in the garage? That should not be there.

• New issues: Look for leaks, holes, or damage that wasn’t there before. Storms, movers, or just bad luck can leave surprises.

For Sellers: How to Prepare

The walkthrough isn’t just for buyers; it’s a test you need to pass. Here’s how:

• Leave it clean and functional: A quick vacuum and empty fridge go a long way.

• Repairs done and documented: Have receipts ready for every agreed repair.

• Don’t take what isn’t yours: Appliances and fixtures included in the contract must stay. (Yes, that means the washer and dryer if they were part of the deal.)

Common mistakes sellers make: forgetting to remove trash, leaving behind unwanted furniture, or worse removing something that was supposed to stay.

When Does It Happen?

Final walkthroughs typically happen the day before or the morning of closing. The closer to signing, the better. That way, nothing can sneak in at the last minute.

When Something Goes Wrong

What if the HVAC won’t turn on, or there’s a mysterious hole in the wall? Buyers have options:

• Ask the seller to fix it immediately.

• Negotiate a credit at closing.

• Delay closing until it’s resolved.

Extreme cases (like major water damage) could even cancel the deal.

Real-World Walkthrough Surprises

• A fridge that “accidentally” went with the sellers.

• Movers damaged the walls carrying out furniture.

• A burst pipe in the basement the night before closing.

• The seller left a mountain of junk in the garage.

None of these are fun to discover at the eleventh hour but catching them before closing means you still have leverage.

Bottom Line

The final walkthrough is not a formality. It’s your safety net before money and keys change hands.

Buyers: arrive with your contract, your checklist, and your eyes wide open.
Sellers: treat it like handing over the keys to a rental car, you want it clean, working, and free of surprises.

Handle it right, and closing day will be nothing but signatures, smiles, and a new set of keys.

Unitil Next Week!