Final Walk Through Before Closing
The final walk through is one of the last important steps in the home buying process. It gives you an opportunity to visit the property shortly before closing and make sure it is still in the condition you agreed to purchase.
A final walk through is not a replacement for a professional home inspection. Instead, it is a final check to confirm that agreed repairs were completed, included items are still present, and no new problems have appeared since your previous visit.
A final walk through is not a replacement for a professional home inspection. Instead, it is a final check to confirm that agreed repairs were completed, included items are still present, and no new problems have appeared since your previous visit.
What Is a Final Walk Through?
A final walk through is a visual inspection of the property conducted shortly before the closing of a home purchase.
The purpose is simple. You want to confirm that the property is substantially in the condition you expected based on your purchase agreement and previous inspections.
During the walk through, buyers can check the condition of the home, test major fixtures and appliances, look for signs of leaks or damage, and confirm that agreed repairs have been completed.
The final walk through is generally performed shortly before closing, often within several days or on the day of closing depending on the transaction and local practices.
The purpose is simple. You want to confirm that the property is substantially in the condition you expected based on your purchase agreement and previous inspections.
During the walk through, buyers can check the condition of the home, test major fixtures and appliances, look for signs of leaks or damage, and confirm that agreed repairs have been completed.
The final walk through is generally performed shortly before closing, often within several days or on the day of closing depending on the transaction and local practices.
Why Is the Final Walk Through Important?
Buyers can be busy during the final stages of a real estate transaction, but skipping the final walk through can create unnecessary risk.
A property can change after the initial home inspection. A leak can develop, an appliance can stop working, damage can occur during a move, or a previously completed repair may not hold up.
The final walk through gives buyers another opportunity to identify these issues before the transaction is completed.
It also provides peace of mind that the home you are about to purchase matches the condition you agreed to accept.
A property can change after the initial home inspection. A leak can develop, an appliance can stop working, damage can occur during a move, or a previously completed repair may not hold up.
The final walk through gives buyers another opportunity to identify these issues before the transaction is completed.
It also provides peace of mind that the home you are about to purchase matches the condition you agreed to accept.
What Should You Check During a Final Walk Through?
A final walk through should be practical and thorough. You do not need to perform another professional inspection, but you should test the home’s major systems and look carefully for obvious changes or problems.
What Happens When a Home Has Been Vacant?
A vacant home deserves particular attention during the final walk through.
When a property sits empty, small problems can become much larger without anyone noticing them. A leaking pipe, running toilet, malfunctioning appliance, or water issue can cause significant damage when nobody is living in the home.
For example, a plumbing issue that begins as a small leak can eventually cause water damage if it goes unnoticed.
This is one reason buyers should carefully test plumbing fixtures, appliances, heating and cooling systems, lights, doors, windows, and other important features before closing.
A Real World Final Walk Through Example
Consider a buyer who is preparing to close on a California home that has already passed its initial inspection.
During the final walk through, the buyers focus on their upcoming move and pay little attention to testing the home’s systems.
A careful check of the property, however, reveals a serious plumbing problem that was not obvious during their previous visit.
Because the issue was discovered before closing, the buyers had an opportunity to address the problem while the transaction was still in progress.
During the final walk through, the buyers focus on their upcoming move and pay little attention to testing the home’s systems.
A careful check of the property, however, reveals a serious plumbing problem that was not obvious during their previous visit.
Because the issue was discovered before closing, the buyers had an opportunity to address the problem while the transaction was still in progress.
This illustrates why the final walk through matters. Problems that are discovered before closing can often be addressed as part of the transaction rather than becoming the buyer’s responsibility after ownership changes.
Final Walk Through Checklist for Homebuyers
Before leaving the property, check the major areas of the home and confirm that they appear to be in the expected condition.
Check the lights and switches.
Flush the toilets.
Run water through sinks and faucets.
Test included appliances.
Look underneath sinks for leaks.
Check the garage door and opener.
Open and close interior and exterior doors.
Inspect walls, ceilings, and floors.
Open and close windows.
Test heating and air conditioning.
Run exhaust fans and the garbage disposal.
Confirm agreed repairs appear to be completed.
Make sure the seller has removed belongings and debris that should not remain.
Final Walk Through in Los Angeles and California
For buyers purchasing a home in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, the final walk through is an important part of preparing for closing.
Every property and transaction is different, so buyers should work with their real estate professional when questions arise about the condition of the property, agreed repairs, included items, or the closing process.
Crestico Realty helps buyers navigate the home buying process and connect with experienced real estate professionals who can provide guidance throughout the transaction.
Every property and transaction is different, so buyers should work with their real estate professional when questions arise about the condition of the property, agreed repairs, included items, or the closing process.
Crestico Realty helps buyers navigate the home buying process and connect with experienced real estate professionals who can provide guidance throughout the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a final walk through before closing?
A final walk through is the buyer’s last visit to the property before closing. It allows the buyer to confirm that the home remains in the expected condition and that agreed repairs and included items are present.
When should I do the final walk through?
The final walk through is typically completed shortly before closing. The exact timing depends on the transaction, closing schedule, and recommendations from your real estate professional.
Is a final walk through the same as a home inspection?
No. A final walk through is not a replacement for a professional home inspection. It is a final check of the property’s condition before closing.
What should I check during the final walk through?
Check lights, plumbing, toilets, appliances, doors, windows, garage doors, heating and air conditioning, walls, ceilings, floors, exhaust fans, and other items included with the property.
What happens if I find a problem during the final walk through?
Notify your real estate professional immediately. They can help determine the appropriate next step based on the problem, the purchase agreement, and the circumstances of the transaction.
