First and foremost: CONGRATULATIONS! You’re almost at the end of your home buying journey. I’m sure it feels like forever (and a day) since you decided to purchase your property. You’ve made it through the financial hoops (proof of funds, lender approvals, deposits) and the inspections (so you know the ins and outs of what you’re buying). You’re all packed up and ready to close on your purchase. The only thing left to do before closing? The final walk-through of the property, of course!

When to expect the final walk-through

The final walk-through is usually performed the day before closing. This allows time to address any issues before you’re at the closing table. If needed, it can be done the morning of the closing (with an afternoon closing), though that’s not usually recommended.

Who attends the final walk-through

The final walk-through is usually attended by the buyer of the property and their REALTOR®. This is also a good time to have the buyer’s contractor(s) join if there are plans for any work to be done after closing.

What the final walk-through IS

The final walk-through is the buyer’s final inspection of the property. It should be clear of all furnishings and personal effects of the seller more-or-less. Most of the seller’s items should be packed, at least, and preparing for the move the next day. This is the time for the buyer to literally go through the property to confirm that it’s in the same condition it was when it went under contract. It’s also the time for the buyer to re-confirm that any agreed to repairs have been completed (though they would have likely been viewed once they were completed). Since most or all the seller’s property is packed and/or moved at this time, it’s a great opportunity to take any final measurements for any work scheduled and/or for buyer to plan furniture placement.

…and what the final walk-through IS NOT

This is very important. The final walk-through is not a time to request additional repairs, concessions or attempt to renegotiate the purchase agreement. Unless things are not as they were at the time of the contract or repairs that were not completed in response to inspections, this is purely to cross-check that the property is in the same condition agreed upon by the purchase agreement and subsequent repair addenda. Obviously, if things are not as agreed upon, there will need to be some additional discussions with the seller’s agent to determine how to proceed.

What happens when the final walk-through is complete

At the end of the final walk-through, the buyers will sign off on a document provided by their agent. This document will confirm that repairs were made as agreed to, the property is in the same condition, that all items to be included in the purchase have been left and that all contractual obligations have officially been met.

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Are you ready to start your home search? Then it’s time for us to talk! There are many ways I can help with the process and get you on your way to purchasing your next home. You can schedule your initial buyer’s consultation by phone or video call by clicking here.

You can click here to check out the current market statistics as well. See average home prices, average time homes are on the market and how they compare year-over-year.

Not quite ready to start your home purchase journey, but want to get a look at what’s currently on the market? Click here to search current listings in the area.