4 Things To Add To Your Final Walk-Through Checklist
2026
Buyers are often so excited to close on a house that they rush the final walk-through without taking a close look. This can lead to problems down the road. Here are four things you should add to your final walk-through checklist.
1. Do the walk-through before the day of the closing. If you do the walk-through the same day as the closing, there may not be time to get things remedied. It’s not unusual for buyers to do two walk-throughs—the first one to identify issues and the second to ensure those issues were fixed.
2. Take your phone and your charger. You don’t want to move in all your stuff, only to realize some electrical outlets don’t work and you lack light in a bedroom. Bring your phone and charger to the walk-through and test all the outlets. It’s quick and easy.
3. Watch out for leftover junk. Sellers often leave junk behind. They may assume you want their old paint cans or a propane tank for a future BBQ grill. Some stuff, such as the paint, can be toxic or require special provisions for disposing. So take the time to check the garage, attic and under the deck—anyplace where the seller may have left behind unwanted ‘gifts.’
4. Be prepared to be surprised. After the close of escrow, you’re faced with an empty home, which can feel cold, sterile or hollow. Buyers are often surprised by this. Not only is the home absent any furniture, but sometimes an empty home shows its imperfections, too. The sun may have slightly bleached floors, showing the outline of a rug. There may be carpet stains or holes in the wall from a flat screen TV or paintings. At any rate, just be aware that an empty home tends to show poorly, so prepare yourself for that before the walk-through.
