What Does a Final Walkthrough Mean Before Closing on a Property?
Trust us, you do NOT want to skip your final walk through with your realtor when closing on a property.
Find out what we’ve seen with our own eyes, and why we don’t ever recommend skipping it.
If you’re buying a home, you’ll hear the term “final walkthrough” right before closing. It’s one of the last steps in the process — and it’s more important than many buyers realize.
As realtors serving clients in and around the Twin Cities Metro in Minnesota, we always tell our clients: the final walkthrough isn’t just a formality. It’s your opportunity to make sure everything looks and functions the way it should before you officially become the owner.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Final Walkthrough?
A final walkthrough typically happens within 24–48 hours before closing. It is not another showing and it’s not a time to renegotiate cosmetic issues. Instead, it’s your chance to confirm:
The home is in the condition agreed upon in the purchase agreement
Any negotiated repairs have been completed
The property is empty (unless otherwise agreed)
No new damage has occurred since your inspection
Once you sign closing documents, the home becomes yours — including any problems that come with it. The walkthrough helps prevent surprises.
What Are You Actually Checking?
During the walkthrough, we recommend buyers focus on the practical items:
1. Agreed-Upon Repairs
If the seller agreed to fix items after the inspection, verify the work is complete. If possible, ask for receipts or documentation from licensed contractors.
2. Appliances & Mechanical Systems
Turn on:
Furnace/AC (depending on season)
Dishwasher
Stove and oven
Washer and dryer
Plumbing fixtures
Garage door openers
You’re not doing a deep inspection — you’re confirming everything is still operational.
3. Fixtures & Included Items
Make sure anything that was included in the purchase agreement is still there (light fixtures, mirrors, window treatments, etc.).
4. Property Condition
Check walls, ceilings, flooring, and windows for any new damage. Occasionally issues arise during move-out.
What If Something Isn’t Right?
If the house ISN’T in the same condition this is where we come in and will help guide you with your options.
If something is not as agreed, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.
Options may include:
Having the seller complete the repair before closing
Escrowing funds until the issue is resolved
Receiving a credit
Delaying closing if necessary
The key is addressing it before signing.
What a Final Walkthrough Is NOT
It’s not:
A second inspection
A time to bring up old issues that were already negotiated
A deep cosmetic critique
It’s simply a verification step.
Why It Matters
We’ve seen everything from frozen pipes due to the home being vacant to water pouring down from the second floor due to a lose toilet seal. Most situations are minor — but they’re much easier to fix before ownership transfers.
Buying a home is a big financial move. The final walkthrough is your last layer of protection.
If you’re buying in the Twin Cities and want guidance through every step (including the ones that don’t get talked about enough), we’d love to help.
— Adam & Brit Sullivan
Adam: 612-770-2119, Adam.sullivan@compass.com
Brit: 612-840-6208, Brit.sullivan@compass.com
