Follow this final walk-through checklist before closing on your new home

Key points

• A final walk-through ensures that the property is in the condition agreed upon by the seller.

• Check that negotiated repairs have been completed with no further damage.

• Your real estate agent can help address significant issues before you close.

The final walk-through of your soon-to-be home is more than a ceremonial stroll through empty rooms — it’s one of the last steps toward homeownership and your opportunity to identify and address any issues before taking possession of the property and moving in because even the best moving companies won’t help if you make a bad decision.

This is your chance to raise concerns before moving in, so don’t panic if you encounter a few problems. “It’s easy to get emotional if something goes wrong in the final walk-through,” said Elisa Cool Murphy, a Realtor in New Orleans, “but there is almost always a way to find a compromise that makes both the seller and the buyer happy.”

Keeping track of negotiated repairs, faulty electrical outlets and backyard surprises can be a lot — but we’re here to help. Through proprietary research and pro tips from Cool Murphy, we created a final walk-through checklist to help you nail this important step in the homebuying journey.

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What should you include on your final walk-through checklist?

Following this checklist will help you identify potential issues and keep you focused so you don’t overlook anything — big or little.

Look for leftover items

Check crawl spaces, peek into the attic, open drawers and rummage through storage sheds to ensure the sellers didn’t forget to pack furniture, boxes or other household items.

Alternatively, if the previous owners promised to leave something for you in the purchase agreement — such as a washer and dryer — check that these items are present and in the right spot.

Approve negotiated repairs

If you requested a home inspection contingency or necessary repairs that the seller agreed to, they should be completed at the time of your walk-through. This is your last chance to ensure the house is to your satisfaction and no new damage is present.

Test appliances and security systems

During your final walk-through, assess the functionality of key appliances. Turn on the garbage disposal. Test the oven and check for gas odor. Turn on the dishwasher, washer and dryer to make sure they work.

You also want to make sure you have access to all the home’s security systems before you move in. To prevent a stressful situation, confirm that you either have access to codes, that the system is transferred to you or that it is completely disabled. “Some security system companies will not put the system in the new owner’s name until the old owner has called and canceled [the system],” Cool Murphy said.

Test electrical outlets and light switches

As you conduct your final walk-through, pay close attention to electrical systems. Flip on all the light switches and test outlets. Bring a phone charger for a quick and straightforward assessment, Cool Murphy recommended. Pay attention to flickering light fixtures — it could be the light bulb or a more serious electrical concern.

Run water

Confirm that all toilets flush properly — check for any signs of leaks, water damage below the bathroom floor (if applicable) or continuous running water. Turn on faucets, showers and baths, ensuring a consistent flow of hot water and steady water pressure. Ensure that the running water doesn’t pool and drains properly. Otherwise, it may be a sign that the plumbing is clogged.

Don’t forget to check the hose bibb, watching for irregular spray or leaks. Check the irrigation system, confirming proper function. Examine the sprinkler system and double-check that all the timer settings work.

Double-check heating and cooling systems

Focus on the critical components of your home’s climate control — the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC system). Begin by adjusting the thermostat settings to assess the responsiveness of both heating and cooling functions. Listen for unusual sounds that may indicate potential issues. You’ll want to do this as soon as you enter the house to give the system time to kick into its full capacity.

Walk room to room, verifying that the temperature setting is consistent throughout the house. Take note of any peculiar odors, especially damp scents, which may signify a mold problem or water damage. 

Open windows and doors

Assess the functionality of all the windows and doors throughout the house. Take the time to open and close each window, ensuring smooth operation. Make sure the windows and doors are properly sealed, and examine the condition of window screens. Inspect locks.

Check that doors open and close seamlessly. Test locks and doorknobs to guarantee they are in working order. Pay attention to any squeaks or resistance. Remember to examine the garage door and garage door opener.

Pro tip: Book a locksmith by the closing date to rekey all the doors. You’ll feel more secure and will avoid the hassle of worrying about gathering all the keys from the previous homeowner, Cool Murphy noted. 

Inspect for signs of pests

Check for signs of pests. Begin by inspecting the typical hiding spots, including corners, cabinets and dark crevices, for signs of mice droppings, nests or visible damage. Be attentive to scuttling sounds and odors.

Wood-eating insects, such as termites and carpenter ants, leave telltale signs, including visible wood damage that looks like powdery residue, buckling and mazes.

Navigate outside

Extend your scrutiny beyond the interior and focus on the external facets of your new home, too. Inspect the landscape elements including the pool, deck and any outdoor structures, such as a trellis, to ensure that they meet safety standards. 

Make sure gates and fences are intact and secure. For an automatic gate, open and close it a few times to verify there are no glitches.

Note smells

A vacant house may have a slightly stale odor due to a lack of air circulation, but any unusual smells could indicate underlying problems. Sniff around, paying attention to spaces that may have been closed off for an extended period. A musty scent, especially in the basement or the bathroom, can be a sign of mold and mildew.

Find garbage cans and recycling bins

In the excitement of finalizing the details of your new home, it’s easy to overlook the seemingly mundane yet crucial aspect of waste management. During your final walk-through, take a moment to confirm that there is a designated and accessible area for trash.

Locate the trash cans or bins on the property and ensure they are in good condition. If the previous owners left garbage, ask that it be picked up as soon as possible. Some items, such as furniture, need scheduled pick up. Ask about the schedule for waste collection so you won’t miss it once you move in.

What happens if you find problems during the final walk-through?

If significant issues pop up as you run through your final walk-through checklist and you are concerned about proceeding with the purchase of your new home, talk to your real estate agent right away.

Cool Murphy doesn’t recommend walking away from the sale unless there are major issues and you feel unsafe on the property. Breaking the purchase agreement results in the buyer forfeiting the earnest money. 

Instead, negotiate the issues with the seller’s agent. It is likely that the solution will involve reworking the contract to address problems with a monetary value. On the other hand, if the contingencies are not met, the seller will have to return the earnest money to the buyer.

What’s next?

The final walk-through is the last step before you close on your new home. It is your chance to verify that everything is in working order and that all the contingencies have been met. 

Know that it’s not unusual for small issues to arise during the final walk-through, and if they do, your real estate agent is there to help you navigate these last-minute negotiations.

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