Final Walkthrough and Closing Day Checklist for Buyers
The final walkthrough usually happens within a day or so of closing. It's a check that the home is in the condition you agreed to, not a second inspection.
Final walkthrough
- ☐ Agreed repairs are done; ask for receipts
- ☐ Items that should stay (appliances, fixtures) are there
- ☐ The sellers' belongings and trash are gone
- ☐ Run every faucet and flush every toilet
- ☐ Turn on the heat and the AC
- ☐ Test lights, outlets, garage door and appliances
- ☐ Check for new damage from the move-out
- ☐ Look under sinks for leaks
- ☐ Open and close windows and doors
If something is wrong, tell your agent right away. Solutions can include a repair, a credit or money held in escrow.
What to bring to closing
- ☐ Photo ID (both buyers)
- ☐ Proof of homeowners insurance
- ☐ Confirmation of your verified wire, or a cashier's check if instructed
- ☐ Your Closing Disclosure, to compare with the final papers
- ☐ A pen, and time; plan for an hour or more
At the table
- Read before you sign, and ask about anything you don't understand
- Make sure the numbers match your Closing Disclosure
- Get copies of everything
After you get the keys
- ☐ Change or rekey the locks
- ☐ Put utilities in your name
- ☐ Store the deed, closing papers and title policy safely
- ☐ Start the first month as a homeowner checklist
General information, not legal or real estate advice.
The First-Time Home Buyer Binder includes a final walkthrough and closing day checklist plus a document locator.
First-Time Home Buyer Binder — $17
18-page binder from pre-approval to closing: affordability worksheet, Loan Estimate comparison, showing scorecard, inspection, wire-fraud check and closing day. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the First-Time Home Buyer BinderFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
- First-Time Home Buyer Checklist: 10 Steps From Savings to Keys
- How Much House Can I Afford? A Worksheet for First-Time Buyers
- Mortgage Pre-Approval Documents Checklist
- How To Compare Loan Estimates (Line by Line)
- House Hunting Checklist: What To Check at Every Showing
- Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: What To Ask and Look For
- Closing Disclosure Checklist: What To Check Before Closing
- Real Estate Wire Fraud: How To Protect Your Down Payment
- First Month as a Homeowner: The New Owner Checklist