Why the Final Walk-Through Matters When Buying a Home

Buying your first home is exciting, but there are a few important steps between having your offer accepted and getting the keys. One of those steps is the final walk-through.

The final walk-through is your opportunity to visit the home shortly before closing and make sure the property is in the condition you expect based on your purchase agreement.

What Is a Final Walk-Through?

A final walk-through is not another home inspection. Instead, it is a chance to confirm that the home has been maintained and that agreed-upon repairs or other items have been completed before you take ownership.

Ideally, the home should be substantially in the condition you saw when you made your offer, with the items included in your purchase agreement still there.

What Should You Check?

During your final walk-through, you should take a careful look throughout the property. Some important things to check include:

• Agreed-upon repairs: Confirm that repairs negotiated during the transaction have been completed.
• Included appliances and fixtures: Make sure items included in the sale, such as appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans, or window treatments, are still in the home.
• Heating and cooling: Check that the heating and air-conditioning systems are functioning as expected.
• Plumbing: Run faucets, flush toilets, and look for signs of leaks or new water damage.
• Electrical: Check lights, switches, and a few outlets.
• New damage: Look for damage to floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, countertops, or other areas that may have occurred since your last visit.
• Basement, attic, garage and exterior: Check for water intrusion, damage, or other unexpected changes.
• Seller's belongings: Confirm that the seller has removed personal property and trash unless something was specifically agreed upon to remain.
• Keys and remotes: Make sure you know what keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys, or other access devices should be provided.

What If You Find a Problem?

Don't panic, and don't assume you have to handle it yourself. If something is different from what you expected or an agreed-upon repair has not been completed, contact your real estate agent before closing.

Depending on the situation, the buyer and seller may be able to work out a solution. This could involve completing a repair, negotiating an adjustment, or addressing the issue in another mutually agreed-upon way.

The important thing is to identify concerns before closing rather than discovering them after you have taken ownership.

A Final Step Before Getting Your Keys

For first-time home buyers, the final walk-through can feel like just another item on a long closing checklist. In reality, it is an important opportunity to make sure everything is ready for you to take ownership of your new home.

As your Concord, NH real estate agent, I help my buyers understand what to look for and what questions to ask throughout the home-buying process. My goal is to make the process clear and manageable, especially for first-time buyers who may not know what to expect.

The final walk-through isn't about looking for a perfect house. It's about making sure the home you are about to purchase is in the condition you agreed to buy it in.

If you would like a copy of my First Time Home Buyer Checklist, send me an email at [email protected]

This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional home inspection, legal advice, or the terms of your purchase agreement.