What is a Walk Through When Buying a House?

I've been through many home purchases, and the final walk-through always brings a mix of excitement and careful attention to detail. This critical step happens right before you get the keys to your new home, and it's your last chance to make sure everything is exactly as it should be.

Walk Through: A walk-through is a final inspection of a property by the buyer shortly before closing to verify its condition matches what was agreed upon in the purchase contract. During this visit, the buyer confirms that any negotiated repairs have been completed and that no new issues have developed since their previous viewing of the property.

When Does the Walk-Through Take Place?

The final walk-through typically happens 24-48 hours before closing. You'll want to schedule about an hour for a thorough inspection, though larger homes might need more time. Your real estate agent should attend with you, and you might want to bring your home inspector if you have concerns about specific repairs.

Essential Walk-Through Checklist

I always tell my clients to start with reviewing repair documentation before moving on to physical inspection. Here's what you need to check:

Previously Negotiated Repairs

• Review all repair receipts and warranties

• Inspect each repair location carefully

• Test any repaired systems or appliances

Systems and Components

• Turn on every light switch

• Run water in all sinks, tubs, and showers

• Test the HVAC by adjusting the thermostat

• Run all appliances through a complete cycle

Common Issues Found During Walk-Throughs

During walk-throughs, I often spot issues like:

• Repairs that weren't finished properly

• Scratched floors or walls from moving furniture

• Light fixtures or appliances that were supposed to stay but were removed

• Leftover debris or cleaning issues

What Happens If Issues Are Found?

If you discover problems, don't panic. Your agent can help communicate concerns to the seller's team. Options include:

• Requesting immediate repairs

• Setting up an escrow account for repair costs

• Negotiating a price reduction

• Delaying closing until issues are resolved

Walk-Through Best Practices

Bring these items to your walk-through:

• Purchase agreement

• Home inspection report

• Repair documentation

• Phone for photos and videos

• Notebook for documentation

Common Walk-Through Mistakes to Avoid

Take your time during the walk-through. Many buyers make these mistakes:

• Racing through rooms without testing everything

• Forgetting to check appliances

• Missing utility tests

• Skipping the exterior inspection

The Role of Real Estate Professionals

A good real estate agent guides you through the walk-through process, pointing out items you might miss and helping document any issues. They know what to look for and can spot red flags that might not be obvious to you.

Protecting Your Investment

The walk-through is your last opportunity to ensure your new home is exactly what you paid for. Take it seriously - this final check protects your investment and gives you peace of mind before closing.

Need guidance through your home buying process? The team at Bellhaven Real Estate will help you conduct a thorough walk-through and protect your interests every step of the way.