Step 23: Attend the Walkthrough

Once you’ve received the Clear to Close, we’ll schedule the final walk-through. This usually occurs the night before closing and is a chance for you to walk through the property and make sure it’s in the same condition as it was during the inspection. The walk-through takes about 20 minutes. Please let us know what day and time would be best for your final walk-through.

Here’s what you should check at the final walk-through:

• Verify that all repairs have been made. We should have obtained copies of paid receipts and any related warranties in advance of the walkthrough
• Make sure all of the appliances are still working
• Check to make sure the sellers didn’t damage anything moving out
• Look to make sure all items included in the sales price (lighting fixtures, blinds, curtains, etc.) are still there. This includes anything that was attached to the wall previously such as shelves, TV mounts, etc. unless noted as being excluded from the contract
• Screens and storm windows are in place or stored somewhere
• Test the intercom, doorbell, alarm, HVAC, and hot water to make sure they all work
• Property should be in “broom clean” condition meaning it doesn’t have to be perfectly clean.
• Ask when the trash is picked up.
• Get the garage door opener (if applicable) and any other remotes
• Locate any instruction books and warranties for appliances and fixtures
• Make sure all personal items of the seller and all debris have been removed including clothing etc. 

Here is what the final walk-through IS NOT:

• It’s not a time to have your parents, friends, etc. come look at the property or for contractors to give you estimates, etc. All of that can wait until the next day once you officially own the property.  
• It’s not possible to begin moving boxes or other items into the property at the walk-through. That has to wait until you officially close on the property.  
• It’s not when we receive the keys. That will happen at the end of closing.

At the end of the walk-through, we need to inquire as to how you will get the keys, any fobs, and the mailbox key. Usually, these items are given to us as the buyer’s Realtor and we’ll bring them to closing. They are then given to you at the end of closing.

What happens if you find damage at the walk-through or the seller didn’t do one of the repairs they were supposed to do? 

You have three options if you discover damage at the walk-through or the seller didn’t repair something he/she was legally obligated to repair:

1. You can delay closing by a few days/weeks and ask the sellers to repair whatever items are damaged
2. You can ask the sellers to put money into escrow to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time
3. You can ask the sellers to provide a credit to cover the cost of the repairs so you can still close on time but have the funds to pay for the needed repairs after closing

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the final walk-through. We’re almost there!