What Is the Final Walkthrough and What Should Sellers Expect?

by Ryan Rose

You're almost done. Closing is tomorrow or the next day. But first, the buyer wants to walk through one more time. What's that about?

The final walkthrough is the last step before keys change hands. Here's what you need to know.

What It Is

The final walkthrough is the buyer's chance to verify the home's condition before closing. It typically happens 24-48 hours before (or sometimes the morning of) closing.

This isn't another inspection. They're not looking for new problems. They're confirming:

The home is in the same condition as when they made their offer. Agreed-upon repairs were completed. You've moved out and the house is empty. Nothing new is broken.

What Buyers Check

Repairs. If you agreed to fix things after the inspection, buyers verify the work was done. They might run the HVAC, flush toilets, check the water heater.

Condition. No new damage. No holes in walls from moving furniture. No broken windows or appliances that suddenly don't work.

Cleanliness. Is the home reasonably clean? Most contracts require "broom clean" condition.

Inclusions. Items that were supposed to stay (appliances, fixtures, window treatments) are still there.

Exclusions. Items you agreed to remove are gone.

Your Responsibility

By walkthrough time, you should be completely moved out. The house should be empty, clean, and in the same condition as when it was under contract.

Don't leave surprises. No junk in the garage. No forgotten items in closets. No trash left behind.

Leave what should stay: garage door openers, all keys, appliances that were included, fixtures that weren't excluded.

What If Something's Wrong

Most walkthroughs are uneventful. The buyer looks around for 15-30 minutes, confirms everything is fine, and you proceed to closing.

But sometimes issues arise:

Minor problems. A small item was forgotten, something minor is dirty. Usually resolved with a quick fix or small credit at closing.

Repairs not completed. If you agreed to repairs and didn't do them, expect pushback. The buyer might demand completion before closing or a credit.

New damage. If movers put a hole in the wall or an appliance broke, you'll need to address it. Credits are common solutions.

Major issues. Rarely, something significant happens between contract and closing. A pipe bursts. The AC dies. These can delay closing until resolved.

Tips for a Smooth Walkthrough

Finish moving early. Don't be hauling boxes out while buyers are walking through.

Clean thoroughly. Hire cleaners if needed. A dirty house creates bad feelings right before closing.

Complete repairs. Whatever you agreed to fix, get it done with documentation.

Leave utilities on. Buyers need to test lights, HVAC, and appliances. Keep everything connected until after closing.

Don't be there. Let your agent handle access. Buyers feel awkward with sellers present.

The Bottom Line

The final walkthrough is a formality when everything is done right. Move out completely, clean up, finish your repairs, and closing day will go smoothly.

Questions about preparing for your Las Vegas home's final walkthrough? Let's make sure everything's ready.

Final Walkthrough FAQ: Common Questions for Las Vegas Home Sellers

Q1: When does the final walkthrough typically take place?

The final walkthrough usually happens 24-48 hours before closing, though sometimes it occurs on the morning of closing day. This timing allows the buyer to verify the home's condition right before the transaction is completed.

Q2: Do I need to be present during the final walkthrough?

No, you should not be present during the final walkthrough. It's best to let your agent handle access. Buyers often feel uncomfortable with sellers present, and your absence allows them to freely inspect the property and discuss any concerns with their agent.

Q3: What condition should my home be in for the final walkthrough?

Your home should be completely empty, reasonably clean (typically "broom clean" as specified in most contracts), and in the same condition as when the buyer made their offer. All agreed-upon repairs should be completed, and utilities should remain on so the buyer can test systems and appliances.

Q4: What happens if the buyer finds a problem during the walkthrough?

The solution depends on the severity of the issue. Minor problems like forgotten items or small cleaning issues are typically resolved with a quick fix or small credit at closing. Incomplete repairs or new damage may require completion before closing or a negotiated credit. Major issues like broken systems could potentially delay closing until resolved.

Q5: What specific items will the buyer check during the walkthrough?

Buyers typically verify that agreed-upon repairs were completed, the home has no new damage, the property is reasonably clean, all included items (appliances, fixtures, window treatments) are still there, and excluded items have been removed. They may test HVAC systems, plumbing, appliances, and other home systems.

Q6: Should I turn off utilities before the final walkthrough?

No, keep all utilities on until after closing. Buyers need to test lights, HVAC systems, water, and appliances during the walkthrough. Turning off utilities prevents them from properly verifying that everything is in working order.

Q7: How long does a final walkthrough usually take?

Most final walkthroughs are uneventful and take approximately 15-30 minutes. The buyer will walk through the home, check key systems and items, and confirm everything is as expected before proceeding to closing.

Q8: What should I leave behind for the buyer?

Leave all items that were included in the sale, such as appliances specified in the contract, built-in fixtures that weren't excluded, garage door openers, and all keys to the property. Do not leave trash, personal items, or anything not specifically agreed upon in the contract.

Q9: Can the final walkthrough delay or cancel closing?

While most walkthroughs proceed smoothly, significant issues discovered during the walkthrough can delay closing. Major problems like incomplete agreed-upon repairs, substantial new damage, or broken systems may need to be resolved before closing can proceed. Minor issues typically don't prevent closing but may result in credits or quick fixes.

Q10: Is the final walkthrough the same as a home inspection?

No, the final walkthrough is not another inspection. The buyer is not looking for new problems to negotiate. Instead, they're simply confirming that the home is in the same condition as when they made their offer, that agreed-upon repairs were completed, and that you've moved out completely.