This is your last chance. Don’t rush it. Don’t delegate it.

We can’t say this loudly enough: the final walkthrough is one of the most important steps in the entire home buying process — and it’s one you need to do yourself. It’s not a formality. It’s your final line of defense before the deal is sealed and the home becomes legally yours.

Yes, we get it — you’re busy, you trust your agent, you’re excited to close… but once those papers are signed, it’s your house, your problem, and your money on the line. If something’s broken, missing, or wrong — it’s on you from that point forward.

What the Final Walkthrough Is (and Isn’t)

This isn’t just a “quick peek.” The walkthrough is your last opportunity to make sure:

  • The house is still in the same condition it was when you made the offer.
  • Everything in the contract is there — including appliances, fixtures, and any personal property listed.
  • Any agreed-upon repairs were actually completed.
  • Nothing has been damaged or removed.
  • The seller hasn’t left behind junk, furniture, or surprises.

And yes — you need to do this yourself. If something’s missing or wrong after closing, sure, you could sue… but the reality is, most issues aren’t worth a lawsuit. What’s more effective? Catching the problem before it’s too late.

How to Do It Right

Here’s how to walk through like a pro (and protect your investment):

  1. Schedule at least 1–2 hours.
    Don’t let anyone rush you. You need time.
  2. Bring your documents:
    • Your sales contract
    • Escrow instructions
    • Any repair addendums
    • The bill of sale for personal property
    • The inspection report
    • Original listing photos (from Zillow, Redfin, etc.)
  3. Go room by room:
    • Make sure everything that was agreed to stay is still there
    • Confirm all appliances work
    • Check all light switches, outlets, fans, windows, doors
    • Run the dishwasher, test the stove and oven, flush toilets, turn on faucets
    • Verify any promised repairs (like a new garbage disposal) were actually done and done correctly
    • Turn on the A/C and the heat — make sure both work
  4. Check every space:
    • Look in closets, garages, basements, attics
    • Walk the yard
    • Make sure nothing was damaged or removed — especially fixtures
  5. Double-check model numbers if you included specific appliances.
    Yes — we’ve seen sellers swap out a high-end Sub-Zero fridge with a cheap replacement, claiming “Well, the contract just said ‘refrigerator.’” Specifics matter.

Final Warning: Once You Close, It’s Yours

If something’s wrong after closing, you’ll likely need to take civil legal action — which takes time and money. It’s rarely worth it. Far better to catch the issue before closing, when you still have leverage to ask for a repair, replacement, or closing credit.

If you truly can’t be there in person, only delegate this to someone you trust 100%. But we can’t stress this enough: try to be there yourself.

House Karma Is Here to Help

Our House Karma Brokers will walk you through this step-by-step. We’ll help you know what to check for, what should (and shouldn’t) be there, and how to request a credit if something’s not right. You’ll never do this alone.

It’s your final chance to make sure everything is exactly as it should be. Take your time. Bring your paperwork. And check it all.