Final Walkthrough & Property Condition Checklist

What the Final Walkthrough Is For

The final walkthrough is generally not a new inspection or an opportunity to reopen every earlier concern. The signed contract and amendments control what the parties agreed to deliver.

Before Moving Day

• Review the purchase agreement and every repair or closing amendment.
• Make a list of fixtures, appliances, and personal-property items that must remain.
• Confirm repair deadlines and any reinspection requirements.
• Collect contractor invoices, paid receipts, permits, photographs, and warranties.
• Confirm possession timing and the date utilities should transfer.

Property Condition

• Keep the home in substantially the agreed condition through closing.
• Prevent moving damage to floors, walls, doors, railings, and landscaping.
• Confirm plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, and other included systems are operating as expected.
• Address any new leak, breakage, storm damage, or material problem promptly.
• Do not remove fixtures or items included in the contract.

Agreed Repairs

• Complete each repair exactly as described in the signed agreement.
• Use qualified contractors when the work requires them.
• Confirm all work is finished before the walkthrough.
• Keep documentation organized and ready to provide.
• Leave transferable warranties and manuals for the buyer.

Broom-Clean Handoff

• Remove trash, debris, unwanted personal property, and moving supplies.
• Empty the home, garage, attic, crawl space, sheds, yard, and curb unless the contract says otherwise.
• Sweep or vacuum floors and clear counters, cabinets, and appliances.
• Remove food and personal items from refrigerators and freezers.
• Leave only approved materials such as extra paint, tile, manuals, and warranties.

Utilities and Access

• Keep electricity, water, and gas active through the walkthrough and agreed transfer time.
• Make sure the buyer can test lights, plumbing, HVAC, appliances, and completed repairs.
• Collect all house keys, mailbox keys, garage remotes, gate devices, fobs, and alarm information.
• Label unfamiliar keys and leave agreed access information in one place.
• Follow the contract for possession and key release; do not assume signing alone authorizes handoff.

Document the Final Condition

After the property is empty and clean, take clear, dated photographs or video of:

• Each room, floor, wall, and ceiling
• Appliances and fixtures included in the sale
• Completed repairs and contractor work
• Garage, attic, crawl space, sheds, yard, and exterior
• Thermostat, utility meters, keys, and access devices

Keep the files with your closing and repair records.

If a Walkthrough Issue Appears

• Ask for the exact concern and supporting photograph.
• Compare it with the contract, amendments, invoices, and your final-condition photographs.
• Do not promise a repair, credit, escrow, or delay without consulting DUFFY and the closing attorney.
• Focus on a documented solution that protects the closing and follows the contract.

DUFFY Recommendation

Finish the move early enough to inspect your own work. A clean property, active utilities, complete repair records, and organized keys give the buyer confidence and reduce last-minute disputes.