The Final Walkthrough: What to Check Before You Close

The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to walk through the home before closing, and it should never feel rushed. This short visit is when you confirm that the property is in the condition you agreed to buy, that the repairs from your inspection were completed, and that everything you expect to come with the house is still there. Here is the checklist I use with my Atlanta buyers so that closing day is smooth and stress-free.

Bring Your Paperwork

Before you arrive, gather the key documents: your signed contract, the inspection report, and the repair addendum that lists every item the seller agreed to fix. During the walkthrough, go through that list item by item. A repair that looks finished from across the room can still be done incorrectly, so take a close look at each one.

Test the Basics

Small systems are easy to skip, and they cause the most surprises after closing. Run every faucet and flush every toilet, turn lights on and off, and test outlets with a phone charger. Open and close windows and doors to confirm they operate smoothly, and inspect the locks, including any smart locks or garage remotes. Ask to see the HVAC system run in both heat and cool, and spot-check the major appliances that are staying with the home.

Look for New Issues

The property may have changed since you last saw it, so watch for anything new: water stains on ceilings, cracked tiles, missing fixtures, or scratches on hardwood floors. Walk the exterior and take a look at the gutters, the grade around the foundation, and the condition of the roof from the ground. If outdoor furniture or plantings were promised, confirm they are still in place.

Know What Stays and What Goes

Your contract spells out what stays with the home and what the sellers are taking with them. Window treatments, mounted televisions, and appliances are the items buyers most often assume are included. If anything looks missing on walkthrough day, say so before closing rather than after.

Ask Before You Sign

If you find an issue, tell your agent on the spot. Most problems can be resolved with a repair before closing, a credit at closing, or funds held in escrow. The walkthrough is not the time to stay quiet.

Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. If you are house hunting in Atlanta and want an agent who protects you from the first showing to the final walkthrough, I would love to help. Let's talk about your search. Talk soon, Nadine.