What is involved in the final walkthrough?
Final Walkthrough: What’s Really Involved? Avoid Costly Closing Mistakes
Why the final walkthrough matters
The final walkthrough is your last chance to confirm the property is exactly what you agreed to buy. This is not a casual visit. It’s a focused inspection that can save you time, money, and headaches on closing day. Get this wrong and you accept defects, missing items, or incomplete repairs.
The simple truth: what to expect
A final walkthrough usually happens 24–72 hours before closing. Buyers, sellers, and your realtor should attend. The goal: verify condition, completed repairs, and that nothing was removed that was supposed to stay.
Key things involved:
- Confirm repairs were completed per the inspection report or contract.
- Test major systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heater.
- Check appliances left with the home: range, fridge, dishwasher, washer/dryer.
- Inspect windows, doors, locks, and screens.
- Look for damage since inspection: water stains, new cracks, pests.
- Verify agreed fixtures and personal property remain.
- Confirm the home is broom-clean and utilities are on if required.
Practical final walkthrough checklist
Use this checklist to stay sharp:
- Bring the inspection report, repair receipts, and contract addendums.
- Walk every room, open cabinets and closets.
- Run faucets, flush toilets, turn on showers.
- Turn on all lights, test outlets with a phone charger or outlet tester.
- Run the HVAC and listen for odd noises; check thermostat function.
- Test all appliances for operation and cleanliness.
- Verify garage door opener and remotes work.
- Check for signs of water damage or mold.
- Confirm keys, garage codes, remotes, and manuals are present.
Deal-killers to not ignore
- Unfinished repairs: demand completion or negotiate credits.
- Missing appliances or fixtures promised in the contract.
- New damage since inspection—document with photos and timestamps.
- Utilities turned off when needed for verification.
If any of these appear, pause the closing and call your lawyer or realtor. Don’t sign away protections.
After the walkthrough: clear next steps
- If everything checks out, you proceed to closing and transfer of keys.
- If issues arise, create a punch list and agree on remedies: repairs before closing, escrow holdback, or price adjustment.
- Insist on written confirmation for any fix or credit.
Final word — act like a pro
Treat the final walkthrough like a legal checkpoint. Bring documents, use the checklist, document problems, and get commitments in writing. That’s how you protect your investment and avoid surprises on move-in day.
Need a local expert who runs thorough final walkthroughs, negotiates fixes, and protects your closing? Contact Tony Sousa for hands-on support and a no-nonsense walkthrough that prevents costly mistakes.
Email: tony@sousasells.ca
Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
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