After weeks of inspections, paperwork, and negotiating, the final walkthrough is one of the last steps standing between you and closing day on a home in Centerville or Washington Township. It’s a short visit, usually just before you sign, but it serves an important purpose. Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of it.
What the Final Walkthrough Is For
The final walkthrough gives buyers a chance to confirm that the home is in roughly the same condition it was in when the offer was accepted, and that any repairs agreed to during negotiations have actually been completed. It is not a second home inspection. It’s a verification step, typically scheduled within a day or two of closing, after the sellers have moved out or are in the process of moving out.
When It Happens
Most buyers in this area schedule their walkthrough 24 to 48 hours before closing, once the seller’s belongings are mostly or fully removed. Scheduling it too early risks missing move-out damage; scheduling it right at closing leaves little room to address a problem if one turns up. Your agent will usually coordinate the timing with the seller’s agent.
What to Bring and Check
A copy of your purchase agreement and any repair addendums is useful to bring along, so you can check completed work against what was promised. Walk through every room, and don’t rush. Test light switches and outlets, run water in sinks and tubs, flush toilets, open and close doors and windows, and check that appliances that are included in the sale are present and operating. If the home has a garage door opener, confirm it works and that you’ll receive any remotes. Check that agreed-upon repairs, whether it’s a fixed step, a patched roof leak, or a replaced appliance, were actually completed and look reasonably done.
What If Something’s Wrong
If you find an issue, whether it’s a repair that wasn’t completed or new damage that appeared since your inspection, don’t panic, but do flag it immediately to your agent. Depending on timing and severity, solutions range from a quick fix before closing, to a credit at the closing table, to a short delay. Most issues that come up at a walkthrough are minor and resolved without derailing the closing, but it’s important to raise them before you sign rather than after.
What Should Be Left Behind
Your purchase agreement should specify what stays with the home, such as light fixtures, window treatments, or built-in appliances. Use the walkthrough to confirm those items are still there. It’s common for sellers to take something they assumed wasn’t included, so checking against your contract rather than relying on memory is the safer approach.
After the Walkthrough
Once you’re satisfied, you’ll move on to your closing appointment, where you’ll sign the final paperwork and get your keys. If anything needs to be resolved first, your agent and the title company will work out the details so you can close with confidence. Either way, the walkthrough is meant to give you peace of mind right before you take ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a final walkthrough usually take?
Most walkthroughs take somewhere between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the home and how thorough you want to be.
Can I do the final walkthrough myself without my agent?
You can, but most buyers in this area bring their agent along, since they know what to look for and can help resolve any issues on the spot.
What happens if the seller hasn’t moved out yet?
Your agent can reschedule the walkthrough closer to closing, or in some cases negotiate a short seller rent-back if moving out on time becomes an issue.
Is the final walkthrough the same as the home inspection?
No. The home inspection is a detailed, professional evaluation earlier in the process. The final walkthrough is a shorter buyer visit to confirm condition and completed repairs right before closing.
Kelly Nation is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Alliance serving Centerville, Ohio, Washington Township, and the greater Dayton area. Thinking about buying or selling in the area? Reach out to Kelly Nation with RE/MAX Alliance at 937-609-5852 to get started.
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