The final walkthrough is your last chance to make sure the property is in the agreed condition before closing. Bring your contract, inspection report, repair receipts, phone charger, and this checklist.
Before You Arrive
- Bring a copy of:
- Purchase agreement
- Inspection report
- Repair addendums
- Appliance list
- Schedule walkthrough within 24–48 hours before closing
- Confirm utilities are still on:
- Electricity
- Water
- HVAC
- Gas (if applicable)
Exterior Checklist
Roof & Gutters
- Check for missing shingles or tiles
- Look for new stains or signs of leaks
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage
🚩 Red Flags
- Fresh water stains under eaves
- Sagging roof lines
- Loose gutters or visible patch jobs
Landscaping & Yard
- Verify agreed items remain:
- Trees
- Plants
- Fencing
- Outdoor fixtures
- Check irrigation system
🚩 Red Flags
- Dead landscaping
- Standing water
- Fence damage
- Sprinklers not functioning
Garage & Driveway
- Test garage door opener
- Verify remotes/keypads work
- Check for cracks or oil spills
🚩 Red Flags
- Garage door reversing improperly
- Missing remotes
- Large new foundation cracks
Interior Checklist
Walls, Ceilings & Floors
- Look for:
- New damage
- Holes from removed TVs/artwork
- Water stains
- Cracked tiles
- Test flooring for soft spots
🚩 Red Flags
- Fresh paint covering suspicious areas
- Bubbling drywall
- Musty odors
- Uneven or soft flooring
Doors & Windows
- Open and close all doors/windows
- Test locks and latches
- Check screens
🚩 Red Flags
- Windows sticking shut
- Broken seals/fogged glass
- Missing locks or cracked panes
Kitchen
- Test:
- Refrigerator
- Oven/stove
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Run faucets and inspect under sink
🚩 Red Flags
- Appliances replaced with different models
- Water leaks under sink
- Burners or appliances not working
Bathrooms
- Flush all toilets
- Run showers/tubs
- Check water pressure and hot water
- Inspect caulking and ventilation
🚩 Red Flags
- Slow drains
- Mold or mildew smell
- Loose toilets
- Water damage around tubs
Electrical
- Test:
- Light switches
- Ceiling fans
- GFCI outlets
- Verify smoke detectors work
🚩 Red Flags
- Flickering lights
- Warm outlets
- Exposed wiring
- Missing cover plates
HVAC System
- Test heating and cooling
- Replace thermostat settings temporarily to confirm operation
- Check vents for airflow
🚩 Red Flags
- Weak airflow
- Burning smells
- Loud rattling noises
- Water around air handler
Plumbing Checklist
- Run all faucets simultaneously
- Check for leaks under sinks
- Test washer/dryer hookups
- Inspect water heater
🚩 Red Flags
- Discolored water
- Low pressure
- Active leaks
- Rust around water heater
Attic & Utility Areas
- Inspect attic if accessible
- Check insulation
- Look for pests or droppings
🚩 Red Flags
- Active roof leaks
- Rodent activity
- Mold growth
- Exposed wiring
Included Items Verification
Confirm all negotiated items remain:
- Appliances
- Window treatments
- Light fixtures
- TVs/mounts (if included)
- Pool equipment
- Mailbox keys
- Garage remotes
🚩 Red Flags
- Seller removed attached fixtures
- Missing appliances
- Damaged items after move-out
Important Questions Before Closing
- Were all agreed repairs completed?
- Are receipts/warranties provided?
- Is the home broom-clean?
- Have all personal belongings been removed?
If You Find Problems
Do NOT assume issues will be fixed after closing.
Options may include:
- Delay closing
- Request repair escrow
- Request seller credit
- Require repairs before signing
Document everything with photos and notify your real estate agent immediately.
Pro Tip
Run the dishwasher, washing machine, showers, and HVAC at the same time for a few minutes. This can reveal plumbing or electrical issues that don’t appear during a quick visit.
