HomeAdviceTips & AdviceShould I do a final walk-through?
Go Back

Should I do a final walk-through?

Asked by Anonymous| 05-31-2021| 1,264 views|Tips & Advice|Updated 3 years ago

Answers (13)

Sort by:
Barrett Henry

RE/MAX Collective · Tampa, FL

(6 reviews)
Yes. The final walkthrough is your last chance to verify the property is in the condition you agreed to before you take ownership. The walkthrough typically happens 24 to 48 hours before closing. You're checking that the seller has moved out, that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed, that no new damage has occurred since the inspection, and that all fixtures, appliances, and items included in the contract are still there. Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, check every light switch, open the garage door, run the HVAC, and look at every room. If something is wrong, this is your last opportunity to address it before closing. Once you sign and take ownership, the seller's obligations are effectively done. If you find issues during the walkthrough, your agent can negotiate a resolution before closing, whether that's a credit, a repair, or a delay until the issue is fixed. Skipping the walkthrough means you're accepting whatever condition the property is in when you get the keys, and you lose your leverage to hold the seller accountable.
View Profile
03-27-2026 (1 month ago)··
Barrett Henry

RE/MAX Collective · Tampa, FL

(6 reviews)
Yes. The final walkthrough is your last chance to verify the property is in the condition you agreed to before you take ownership. The walkthrough typically happens 24 to 48 hours before closing. You're checking that the seller has moved out, that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed, that no new damage has occurred since the inspection, and that all fixtures, appliances, and items included in the contract are still there. Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, check every light switch, open the garage door, run the HVAC, and look at every room. If something is wrong, this is your last opportunity to address it before closing. Once you sign and take ownership, the seller's obligations are effectively done. If you find issues during the walkthrough, your agent can negotiate a resolution before closing, whether that's a credit, a repair, or a delay until the issue is fixed. Skipping the walkthrough means you're accepting whatever condition the property is in when you get the keys, and you lose your leverage to hold the seller accountable.
View Profile
03-27-2026 (1 month ago)··
Loodmy Jacques

Keller Williams Reserve · West Palm Beach, FL

(25 reviews)
Yes, always do it. The final walk-through is your last chance to make sure the house is in the same condition and any agreed repairs were actually done. Check that nothing changed, nothing was damaged during move-out, and everything that was supposed to stay is still there. It’s quick, but it protects you from surprises right before closing.
View Profile
04-20-2026 (1 week ago)··
Find Agent CTA

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.

Jason Craig

Coldwell Banker · Westwood, MA

Yes—a final walk‑through is an important part of the closing process. It usually takes place within a day or two of settlement and gives you the opportunity to make sure the property is in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it. You can verify that any agreed‑upon repairs were completed, that the sellers have removed their belongings, and that no damage has occurred since your inspection. During the walk‑through you and your agent should check that the heat, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems are still working, appliances are present if they were included in the sale, and that the home is free of debris. Bringing along your inspection report and contract can be helpful to reference specific items. A walk‑through is not a time to negotiate new items, but if you find something significant—like a missing appliance or new damage—you can work with your agent and closing attorney to address it before funds are disbursed. Skipping the walk‑through means you accept the property “as‑is,” so it’s generally wise to take the time for this final step to protect your investment.
View Profile
09-28-2025 (7 months ago)··
Steven HuntSemi-Pro60 Answers
Steven Hunt

Real Broker NY LLC · NEW YORK, NY

(40 reviews)
Definitely do a final walkthrough. You want to make sure the house is in the same condition and nothing changed. I have seen some crazy things at a final walkthrough.
View Profile
12-25-2021 (4 years ago)··
Alfred GalvanRising Star16 Answers
Alfred Galvan

eXp Realty of California · San Ramon, CA

(38 reviews)
Hello Mike, the answer is YES, contact me I can explain better over the phone - Alfred
View Profile
06-19-2021 (4 years ago)··
Jeannie Ricke-FinleyRising Star11 Answers
Jeannie Ricke-Finley

CENTURY 21 Arizona West · Wickenburg, AZ

Yes. Have your Realtor go with you a couple days before closing. Make sur nothing has been switched concerning appliances, window treatments and light fixtures. This keeps everyone on the same page. As Ronald Reagan said.....Trust everyone, but investigate.
View Profile
10-07-2021 (4 years ago)··
Amy QuimbyRising Star9 Answers
Amy Quimby

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company · Cedar Hill, TX

(36 reviews)
Yes, you should complete a final walkthrough the morning of closing. Not a day or two before, but the morning of closing. I have seen it all: overnight flood, seller hadn't started packing, spraypainted walls.... If the seller agreed to fix or replace electrical or plumbing issues, it is a very good idea to have a certified electrician or plumber double-check the work before closing.
View Profile
06-18-2021 (4 years ago)··
Sakina GambleNovice4 Answers
Sakina Gamble

Keller Williams Realty River Cities III · Phenix City, AL

(20 reviews)
Yes. You should do a final walkthrough the day of the closing to make sure the property is in the same condition it was at the time you made the offer. If you fail to do so, you assume responsibility of the home as is once you sign your closing documents. If you can not do it the day of, do it as close to the closing as possible.
View Profile
06-01-2021 (4 years ago)··
Lynne TranNovice4 Answers
Lynne Tran

Intero Real Estate Services · San Jose, CA

(90 reviews)
I actually always do the walk through a couple of days before the close of escrow date to allow us (my client and I) to communicate any issues with the listing side and seek resolution before the close of escrow. Waiting until the day of the COE would be too late, especially if there's a need to call up an professional or to show the problems to the listing side. Once the escrow is close, it's very difficult to resolve.
View Profile
06-01-2021 (4 years ago)··
Karen FunkNovice4 Answers
Karen Funk

1st Choice Realty & Associates Inc · Citrus Heights, CA

(20 reviews)
Depends on when you are actually taking possession. If the seller is to remain in possession after close of escrow (rentback), then you should wait until the date the seller is to vacate the home and do your walk through then. You want to be sure there was no damage done during the sellers move as well as check that items to be included in the sale, are there. Once you've done the walk through, you can refund the seller's deposit or submit damages to be reimbursed, to escrow holder.
View Profile
06-02-2021 (4 years ago)··
Ryan DyalNovice4 Answers
Ryan Dyal

The Real Estate Firm · Moncks Corner, SC

(24 reviews)
YES. I recommend doing a walk through. There is always a chance you find something wrong. Like a missing appliance. Better to catch it prior to closing.
View Profile
06-04-2021 (4 years ago)··
Stacey ErardNovice1 Answer
Stacey Erard

Remax Preferred Associates · oregon, OH

(29 reviews)
Hey Mike! Absolutely recommend a final walkthrough on the day of closing. It is your last opportunity to verify that the condition of property is still the same, that any/all of the agreed upon appliances/fixtures/window treatments etc are still in the home and also good to see that all of the sellers personal belongings have been removed. It is no fun to inherit a garage full of junk that is hard to get rid of. If you don't get possession at close it's still great to do your final walk through and snap a few pics of the condition just in case there's a quesiton a month later when you do take possession.
View Profile
06-01-2021 (4 years ago)··
Find Agent CTA

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.

Related Questions

Should I renovate my kitchen before selling?

Asked by Teyha | Albuquerque, NM | 12 views | Tips & Advice | 04-27-2026 | Updated 1 day ago

Parking on street legal?

Asked by Kim B | Des Moines, IA | 13 views | Tips & Advice | 04-22-2026 | Updated 6 days ago

How do i get my part of the house sell?

Asked by Sara M | Conway, AR | 28 views | Tips & Advice | 04-17-2026 | Updated 1 week ago

Is it a scam?

Asked by Sheryl | Chattanooga, TN | 32 views | Tips & Advice | 04-13-2026 | Updated 2 weeks ago

Should I renovate before selling?

Asked by Mike | Toledo, OH | 22 views | Tips & Advice | 04-13-2026 | Updated 2 weeks ago