Every buyer should do a final walkthrough before closing on a home sale to ensure everything is as agreed upon.

When buying a home, a final walkthrough is one of the most important steps in making sure the home is in the condition you and the seller agreed to. It’s usually done just before the sale closes. As the buyer, it’s your opportunity to make sure everything works as it did when you agreed to buy the property. It’s also when you confirm that any contingencies have been met. Here’s how to make the most of your final walkthrough.

Check the home room-by-room including each system

The camera on your phone and a notepad will help document any problems. Go through the house room-by-room and check the following:

• Faucets run and sinks drain
• Toilets flush
• No leaks under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans operate
• All appliances and systems work, including heat and AC
• Garage door opener works
• All doors and windows open and close
• Trash and debris are removed
• Any items included in the sale remain
• Look for evidence of pests and water damage

Verify that any repairs the seller agreed to have been completed.

If the home comes with a subscription security device such as a Ring doorbell or security camera, coordinate with the seller to transfer the service to your name. Have them to release ownership and uninstall the device from their app so you can register the device in your name.

The final walkthrough will take at least 30 minutes and could take longer if the home is larger, there are outbuildings to inspect or issues arise.

If everything in the home is in the agreed upon condition, the buyer signs off on the walkthrough and the sale closes as planned.

What happens if there are problems

A final walkthrough is not the same as an inspection and it’s not the time to bring up new issues. However, if the condition of the home has changed since you last saw it or agreed-upon repairs are not complete, now is the time speak up.

The sale can still close as planned or it could be delayed a few days; work with your agent to negotiate a plan of action, including a timeline for completing necessary work. In some cases, a portion of the seller’s proceeds will be held back at closing to cover any the fixes.

In rare cases, a buyer may choose to back out of a sale. However, if you walk away from a home purchase at final walkthough you may forfeit earnest money and be responsible for other fees. Read your contract to determine the consequences before deciding not to follow through with the purchase.

What buyers of newly constructed homes need to know

New home buyers can’t assume that their home will be delivered picture-perfect like the model they toured. The final walkthrough of a new home is often done with a roll of blue painter’s tape in hand. As you note things that need attention, such a missing electrical cover or unpainted piece of trim, place a piece of tape on or near the defect. This will make it easier for the builder to locate and remedy problems.

In addition to checking for blemishes and oversights, you’ll also want to do the room-by-room check listed above. Yes, sometimes even brand new homes do not work properly, and you should document everything the builder needs to do before you take possession of your new home.

Also make sure appliances are models agreed to, window screens are in place, floors are level, and the property has been graded to provide good drainage.

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