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Final walkthrough before home closing checklist

A buyer final-walkthrough checklist for confirming the property remains in the agreed condition, seller possessions and debris are removed as required, included appliances and fixtures remain, utilities allow reasonable observation, agreed repairs are complete, no new water, storm, freeze, vandalism or moving damage has appeared, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, HVAC controls and basic electrical items can be checked safely, keys, remotes, manuals and service information are ready and unresolved changes are reported before signing closing documents.

6 items to check

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The home, grounds and outbuildings remain materially consistent with the contracted condition

Critical item

New damage or removal should be identified before signing.

All agreed repairs and documentation are present and accepted

Critical item

Walkthrough should confirm, not replace, specialist verification.

Included appliances, fixtures, window treatments, remotes and other property remain

Critical item

The contract controls what stays.

Utilities are on and basic accessible fixtures and controls show no obvious new defect

Critical item

The buyer should not perform destructive or unsafe testing.

Required personal-property removal, trash, cleaning and hazardous-material handling are complete

Critical item

The property should be delivered as agreed without hidden disposal burden.

Keys, codes, manuals, utility and service information are ready and unresolved issues are escalated before signing

Critical item

Material changes should be resolved through qualified local advisers before closing.

Use shortly before closing. CFPB advises buyers to confirm agreed repairs and included property before signing; the walkthrough is not a substitute for the earlier inspection. Do not enter unsafe roofs, crawlspaces, attics, excavations or damaged structures; open energized equipment; operate unsafe combustion or pressurized systems; or treat a visual checklist as engineering, environmental clearance, appraisal, title review or legal advice. Contract deadlines and remedies require qualified local guidance.

Reference standards

  • The signed purchase contract and inspection contingency, applicable state and local real-estate and inspector rules, lender and insurer requirements, seller disclosures, permits and records, current CFPB and EPA consumer guidance, qualified specialist reports, property-specific conditions, and written agreements among buyer, seller, agents, attorneys, lenders and contractors
  • CFPB Close the Deal and closing-checklist guidance, signed purchase contract and repair agreements

    • Tools

  • Purchase contract, disclosures, listing, inspection agreement, property records, permits, prior reports, repair receipts, warranties, insurance and utility information
  • Camera, flashlight, tape measure, notepad and owner-safe observation tools; specialist scopes, testing devices and laboratory services where appropriate
  • Independent home inspector plus qualified structural, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, sewer, electrical, pool, pest, environmental, septic and well professionals as the property requires

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