How Should I Prepare for the Final Walkthrough?

In the process of buying a home, you'll have the chance to complete a final walkthrough before closing. This is your opportunity to notice any problems that need to be solved to supply yourself with peace of mind as you take ownership of the property. 

If you have a final walkthrough ahead of you because you're looking at homes for sale in St. George, here's what you might want to know beforehand.

What is the final walkthrough?

The final walkthrough isn’t just a formality—it’s your last chance to verify that the home is in the condition you expected before signing the final paperwork. This step ensures that any repairs the sellers agreed to have been completed, the home hasn't suffered any new damage, everything is in working order, and the seller has vacated the home (unless you have otherwise made arrangements for them to still be there).

When should the final walkthrough be scheduled?

The final walkthrough should ideally be scheduled 24 to 48 hours before closing to give you some time to address any problems that come up. If you schedule earlier than that, it can  take away from time the sellers needed to fix something, but if you want too long you'll risk delaying closing if there is an issue to resolve. 

How long does a final walkthrough take?

The duration of a final walkthrough depends on the size and condition of the home, but generally, it takes 30 minutes to an hour. It’s important to take your time, go through a checklist, and thoroughly inspect the property to avoid overlooking any potential problems, so don't rush the process.

What do I need to bring with me for the final walkthrough?

At the final walkthrough, make sure you have all of the documents showing what your agreement is, including what (if anything) the seller will be leaving behind, the repairs you agreed one, and whether the seller will have fully vacated the home. You'll want ot have the documents with you to clarify in case something doesn't look right. 

It's also helpful to bring a small plug-in electronic, like your phone charger, to verify that all outlets are working. 

What should I look for in the final walkthrough?

Be methodical and thorough about the final walkthrough, checking everything. It might help to have a checklist:

• Repairs: Confirm that any requested repairs were completed properly. Ask for receipts or warranties if applicable.
• Appliances: Test major appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.
• Plumbing: Run faucets, flush toilets, and check for leaks under sinks.
• Electrical: Turn on all lights, test outlets, and check that the HVAC system is working.  
• Doors and Windows: Open and close all doors and windows to ensure they function properly.
• Walls, Ceilings, and Floors: Look for any new damage, stains, or unexpected holes.
• Included Items: Make sure all items that were agreed to remain in the home (e.g., light fixtures, blinds, or shelving) are still there.
• Garage and Exterior: Check the garage door, outdoor spaces, and any exterior structures.
• Personal Belongings Removed: Ensure the seller has removed all personal items and that the home is clean and ready for move-in.

What happens if the final walkthrough reveals a problem with the property?

If you discover an issue during the final walkthrough, don’t panic. You may be close to the closing appointment, but you still have options. If the issue is small, we can point it out and ask that the seller fix it before closing. If it's too late and there isn't time to fix it, but you still want to close on time, you can request a credit to fix it. You can also consider delaying closing until the issue is resolved, or in extreme cases walking away if you can't reach an agreement. 

The final walkthrough is an essential step in the homebuying process that gives you peace of mind before closing, so take full advantage of it. 

If you're ready to learn more about buying a home in St. George, we can help. Contact us any time to get started.