Final Walk-Through Checklist Before Closing on a Home

Before you close on your new home purchase, complete a final walk-through with your buyer’s agent to inspect the property and verify that everything is exactly as agreed upon.

The final walk-through inspection typically happens 24 to 72 hours before your closing appointment and usually takes at least an hour to complete. Use this final walk-through checklist along with the support of your real estate agent and any co-shoppers to help you spot issues that might affect your closing, such as unfinished repairs, new signs of damage, or unmet contractual obligations. Once you’ve done your due diligence and verified everything checks out, you’ll be ready for closing day.

Keep in mind, new construction builds may have multiple walk-throughs before closing. You may need an initial walk-through 2-3 days before closing and a quick re-check on closing day to confirm the finish build aligns with the agreed upon terms.

What to check for during your final walk-through 

As you walk through the home, check for these key items:

• Agreed-upon repairs are complete
• Seller’s belongings are removed
• Security systems work as expected
• Appliances and fixtures work
• Plumbing is operational without leaks
• Electrical systems and outlets are functional
• Walls, floors and ceilings are free of damage
• No signs of mold or pest infestations
• Exterior of the home is well-kept
• Property is “broom-clean”

1. Agreed-upon repairs

You may have negotiated repairs with the seller when making an offer on the house. If the seller agreed to make repairs, the final walk-through is your chance to verify that all requested work was completed correctly and up to code. It’s also a good time to check that no new issues popped up during the repair process.

For example, if the seller agreed to fix a hole in the drywall, check that the hole is filled, primed, painted and textured (if applicable). Verify that none of the materials from the patchwork damaged surrounding areas, like flooring. If plumbing work was done, make sure it functions as expected without leaks.

Check for incomplete work or temporary fixes that don't meet the standards specified in your agreement. Document any concerns with detailed photos, videos and notes, and then share those details with your real estate agent. If not already provided to you, ask the seller or their listing agent for the repair company’s contact information, get copies of any repair receipts and warranties to validate when the repair was completed.

Pro tip: Bring a copy of the agreed-upon repairs from your agreement and a flashlight to examine each space.

2. Seller’s belongings

Sellers sometimes remove items they’re not entitled to take, either intentionally or by mistake. Light fixtures, ceiling fans, and even landscaping elements like potted plants or outdoor furniture may disappear during the moving process. On the flip side, they may leave behind things they were supposed to remove, like old furniture, paint cans, or cleaning supplies.

Bring your purchase agreement and check that all included items are still there, and that the seller didn’t leave anything behind.

Pro tip: If you find missing or leftover items, don’t panic! Minor issues are common and typically easy to resolve with the help of your real estate agent. Take a few photos and send a note so they can coordinate with the seller’s agent to resolve the issue before closing.

3. Security systems and locks

Check that the home is secure. Test every door and window, and confirm that all locks, remotes, and security features work as expected.

Start with exterior doors. Open and close each one to make sure it works smoothly and locks securely. Then go room-by-room to test interior doors, including bedroom and bathroom locks. Open every window and confirm it closes and locks fully. Inspect screens and storm windows for damage or missing parts.

If the home includes a security system, garage keypad, or smart lock, test each one. Make sure you’ve received all keys, remotes, access codes, and manuals.

If anything is broken or missing, document it and alert your real estate agent before closing.

Pro tip: Verify that the security system’s settings are correctly configured according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This will help ensure that you’re able to set everything up with new codes and passwords. 

4. Appliances and fixtures

Test all major appliances and fixtures to confirm they’re working and match what was promised in your purchase agreement.

Start by checking that all included appliances are present and installed where expected. Turn on the oven and cooktop to verify they heat up, run the dishwasher on a short cycle, and check that the refrigerator and freezer are cooling properly. 

For washers and dryers, briefly test both wash and spin cycles. If these appliances are located in a basement or utility room, check surrounding areas for leaks, water stains, or signs of improper setup that could lead to future maintenance problems. Test light fixtures and ceiling fans in every room. Make sure they turn on, operate smoothly, and aren’t missing parts. 

Note any error codes, unusual sounds, or performance issues for immediate discussion with your agent.

Pro tip: Bring a small appliance tester or a thermometer to check the temperature of refrigerators and ovens. This allows you to verify these items are working at the correct settings, and helps you spot any issues that may have been overlooked during the initial inspection.

5. Plumbing systems

Turn on the water throughout the home to check for leaks, low pressure, or signs of damage.

Run faucets in every bathroom and kitchen to test both hot and cold water. Let them run for a minute and watch for sputtering, discoloration, or slow drainage. Flush each toilet to ensure it refills properly and doesn’t run or leak. Look under every sink and around visible pipes for signs of water damage, drips, or corrosion.

Test the water heater by checking the temperature at multiple faucets and noting how long it takes to heat up. If accessible, inspect the unit for warning lights, error codes, or unusual sounds. 

If you notice any leaks, water stains, or pressure issues, take photos and notify your real estate agent. They may request documentation from the seller or ask for repairs before closing.

Pro tip: Most water heaters last 8-12 years, so older units may need replacement soon after your purchase. Note the manufacturer, model, and installation date if visible, and ask about any recent maintenance or repairs.

6. Electrical systems and outlets

Test all outlets and fixtures to make sure the home’s electrical system is working safely and as expected.

Walk through the home and test a few outlets in each room. Prioritize kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor outlets, especially GFCI outlets (the ones with the little “test” and “reset” buttons), which should trip and reset properly. Turn on all ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and light switches to confirm they operate smoothly.

Adjust the thermostat and let the HVAC system run for a few minutes. Make sure warm or cool air flows from each vent and that the system turns on and off without unusual noises.

If any outlets don’t work, a GFCI won’t reset, or a fixture seems off, flag it for your agent to follow up on before closing.

Pro tip: Purchase a receptacle tester from your local hardware store and bring it to the final walk-through. These typically cost under $10 and can confirm whether each outlet is wired correctly and functioning safely. Alternatively, you can use a phone charger to check basic power, but it won’t reveal wiring issues.

7. Walls, floors, and ceilings

The walls, floors, and ceilings should look exactly like they did during your initial inspection, with any agreed-upon repairs now completed.

Walk through each room and scan the walls for scratches, holes, or patch jobs that don’t match. Inspect floors for scuffs, loose boards, or cracked tiles, especially in high-traffic areas. Look up to check ceilings for stains, sagging, or cracks that could point to roof or plumbing problems.

Pro tip: Evaluate the quality of any recent paint work or repairs that were completed since your initial inspection. Professional repairs should blend seamlessly with existing surfaces, using matching materials and finishes whenever possible.

8. Signs of mold or pests

Check for water damage, visible mold, or signs of pest activity. These issues can cause health problems and lead to costly repairs if not addressed early.

Focus on bathrooms, closets, and basements where moisture is common. Look for stains, warped materials, bubbling paint, or soft spots in walls, ceilings, and floors. Around windows and under sinks, check for damage that could indicate past or current leaks.

Keep an eye out for pest droppings, gnawed wood or wires, or nesting materials. If you notice a strong chemical odor, ask whether the home was recently treated and confirm that it’s safe to occupy.

Pro tip: Musty odors may indicate moisture problems even when visible mold isn’t apparent. Even minor water intrusion could create mold problems in as little as 24-48 hours under the right conditions. 

9. Exterior condition

Changes in weather conditions, such as storms, heavy rain, or snowmelt, may have caused unexpected damage to roofing, siding, or landscaping that wasn’t visible during the initial inspection. For example, after a storm, you might find fallen trees or broken fencing around the property. 

Walk the outside of the home to check for new damage and make sure everything matches your purchase agreement. Test outdoor lights and outlets if weather allows. If the home includes a sprinkler system, run it briefly to confirm it’s working and nothing was removed or damaged.

Verify that any included outdoor items like grills, patio furniture, and sheds are still in place and in good condition. 

Pro tip: If your final walk-through occurs during a different season than your initial inspection, pay attention to how these changes affect the property. Winter conditions may reveal heating or insulation issues, while spring weather might uncover drainage problems or landscape damage that wasn’t visible under snow cover.

10. Overall cleanliness

The home should be fully cleared out and reasonably clean by the time of your final walk-through.

Walk through every room, closet, and storage area to confirm the seller has fully moved out. Open cabinets, drawers, and built-ins to make sure nothing is left behind. Check the garage, attic, and basement, which are common places for forgotten items.

If a higher level of cleaning was negotiated, confirm that those terms were met. If not, ask your agent to follow up with the seller before closing.

Pro tip: Most contracts require the seller to leave the property in “broom clean” condition, meaning it should be free of personal belongings, trash, and excessive debris. It doesn’t guarantee deep cleaning, but the home should be tidy and empty enough for you to move in.

What to do if you find issues during your final walk-through?

Discovering problems during your final walk-through won’t automatically derail your closing, but it does require prompt and strategic action to protect your interests while maintaining your timeline.

How to address smaller issues

Small problems that can be addressed quickly, such as cosmetic issues or replacing a missing drain plug, may be able to get repaired before closing without disrupting your timeline. Sometimes real estate agents may even suggest asking for a seller credit to cover the cost of the repair after closing.

How to address bigger issues

Larger issues, such as missing appliances, incomplete repairs, or new damage, should be negotiated promptly, as they could delay the closing. Lean on your agent to handle these issues rather than attempting to contact the seller directly. Your agent understands negotiation strategies, contract terms, and local market practices that can help resolve issues efficiently while maintaining professional relationships.

Your agent might request that a portion of the seller’s proceeds be held in escrow until repairs are completed to your satisfaction. Keep in mind that when financing the purchase, a delay in closing may require an approved extension from your lender to avoid pre-approvals and rate locks from expiring. 

Tips to make your walk-through successful

The final walk-through before closing is designed to protect your investment. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared and help you avoid any potential obstacles: 

• Give yourself plenty of time. Make sure you block off a portion of your day for the final walk-through to avoid having to cut the appointment short to run an errand. Rushing your walk-through could mean missing expensive problems.
• Bring your purchase agreement. Refer to the agreement during your walk-through to make sure all agreed upon terms are met.
• Document everything with photos and videos. Take stock of any issues that you find during your walk-through to avoid costly repairs after you close.
• Speak up about real problems. When problems do arise, bring them to the seller’s attention so they can be resolved quickly through professional negotiation and proper documentation. 

Need professional guidance through your home purchase? Our Zillow partner agents are ready to connect and can provide local expertise to guide you through every stage of the home buying process, including conducting a thorough final walk-through that protects your interests and ensures a smooth transition to homeownership.