What to Expect During the Final Walkthrough Before Closing

You've made it through the offer, the inspection, and the negotiations. Closing day is almost here. Before you sign on the dotted line, there is one important step left: the final walkthrough. It may feel like a formality at this point, but it's actually one of the most valuable things you can do to protect yourself before the keys change hands.

What Is the Final Walkthrough?

The final walkthrough is your opportunity to visit the home prior to closing and confirm that it is in the same or better condition than when you submitted your offer. It is not a home inspection. The purpose is to confirm that agreed-upon repairs were made, that no damage occurred when the seller moved out, and that all systems are still functioning properly. Generally scheduled within 48 hours before the closing date, the walkthrough is a time for the buyer and their real estate agent to go through the home room by room, without the seller present. Ideally the seller has already moved out so you can get a clear look at the entire property.

When Should You Schedule It?

Timing matters. Ideally, the final walkthrough should be completed within 24 hours of closing, as this gives the buyer the most accurate picture of the home's current condition. That said, scheduling it a day or two before closing gives you a little more breathing room to resolve anything unexpected without the pressure of an imminent closing time bearing down on you.

What Should You Be Looking For?

Bring your home inspection report and a copy of your purchase agreement so you can check repairs against what was promised. Here are the key things to verify:

Confirmed repairs have been completed to your satisfaction. All appliances included in the sale are present and working. The seller's belongings have been fully removed. Light fixtures, faucets, and other features that were part of the sale have not been removed. Doors, windows, and locks are all functioning properly. The home is clean and free of any damage that may have occurred during the seller's move-out.

What If Something Is Wrong?

Try not to panic if you spot an issue. If the seller has not finished a promised repair or the condition of the home has changed, you and your agent can ask for a delay in closing until the issue is resolved. You could also ask the seller to hire a contractor, negotiate a financial credit at closing, or place money in escrow to cover future repairs. Most sellers at this stage of the process are motivated to find a solution and keep the deal moving forward.

It is also worth knowing that walkthrough discoveries rarely derail closings. According to the NAR REALTORS® Confidence Index, financing problems and appraisal concerns cause closing delays far more often than walkthrough discoveries. Issues that come up during the walkthrough are manageable the vast majority of the time.

Your Agent Is Your Best Resource

A great agent will walk through the home alongside you, help you know what to look for, and guide you through any conversations with the seller if something needs to be addressed. At The Whitney Perkins Team, we make sure our buyers feel confident and prepared every step of the way, right up until closing day. If you are getting ready to buy or sell in Gainesville or the surrounding North Central Florida area, we would love to help. Reach out today and let's get started!

The Whitney Perkins Team at Keller Williams in Gainesville, Florida is ranked in the top 5% of REALTORs® in Alachua County, helping 126 families buy or sell homes last year with more than $34.4 million in sales. We treat our clients like family and focus on doing what is right.

Are you looking for a professional who truly listens to your vision for a home, or do you need an expert strategist who knows how to effectively market your property for a top-dollar sale? From Gainesville to the surrounding areas, we provide the responsive, attentive service you deserve, backed by real-world results. Give us a call. We are eager to help you start your next chapter.