The Final Walkthrough
What to Look For Before You Get the Keys
Fort Walton Beach
- Niceville
- Navarre
- Crestview
- Shalimar
- Mary Esther
- Destin
- Freeport
You're almost there. The loan is approved, closing is on the calendar, and there's one more stop before you sign: the final walkthrough. Here's what it's for, what to check, and what happens if something isn't right.
One Last Look, Right Before Closing
A final walkthrough is your chance to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to, the agreed repairs are done, and everything that's supposed to stay is still there.
Contract terms vary. Your agent can walk you through what your contract says.
Schedule the walkthrough as close to closing as you can, so nothing changes between your last look and the signing table. Keeping track of that timing is your agent's job. A good buyer's agent sets it up, makes sure the power is on, reminds you when it's time to go, and helps you get your utilities set to start in your name on closing day.
The Final Walkthrough Checklist
What you check depends on your contract, the repairs the seller agreed to and the seller's disclosure. Pull this up on your phone at the walkthrough and tap each item as you check it.
All checked. You're ready for the closing table.
The little things matter at a walkthrough. I make sure the seller left every key, the mailbox key, the garage remotes, the alarm and door codes, and the invoices or company names for the work that was done, like a new roof. If there are Ring cameras or smart locks, I help my buyers get them set up. It's those small details that help you walk in on day one feeling like you already know your home.
What If Something Isn't Right?
Most walkthrough surprises are small, and most get worked out before anyone signs. Here's how it usually goes.
What happens if you find a problem at the final walkthrough?
Tell your agent right away, before you sign anything. Your agent reaches out to the seller's agent, and together they work out a fix that keeps closing on track.
- Take photos or a short video of the problem
- Don't sign closing papers until you have a plan
- Sometimes closing moves a few days to finish a repair
More Final Walkthrough QuestionsBacking out, timing and who goes
Before closing day, set up your electric, water, trash and internet to start in your name the day you close, so nothing gets shut off when the seller cancels theirs. Around Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Navarre, different homes are served by different providers, and your agent can help you find out which ones serve yours.
Follow the Walkthrough to the Finish Line
Tap each stage to see where the walkthrough fits in the last stretch to closing.
The Home Inspection
Right after you go under contract, your inspector looks the home over from top to bottom. That report becomes your baseline for the walkthrough later.
Repairs Are Agreed and Done
If repairs were negotiated, the seller takes care of them before closing. Ask for receipts so you can check them off at the walkthrough.
The Final Walkthrough
Your last look. You confirm the home is in the condition your contract says it should be, the repairs are done, and the power is on.
Signing at the Title Company
Once the walkthrough checks out, you sign the closing papers. If something came up, it gets settled first.
The Keys Are Yours
Once everything is signed and funded, the home is yours. Time to change the locks and settle in.
A Short Visit That Protects You
The final walkthrough only takes about an hour, but it's your last chance to make sure you're getting the home you agreed to buy. Take your time, test things, and speak up before you sign. Small problems are much easier to fix before closing than after. Buying with a VA loan? My VA buying guide walks through every step to closing.
Take a quick video as you walk through. It gives you a record of how the home looked on closing day, and it's handy later when you're measuring for furniture.
What Is Your Home Worth?
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