The final walkthrough happens right before closing, and it's easy to treat it like a formality. It shouldn't be. This is your last chance to catch a problem before the house is officially yours, and having a construction background changes what I tell my clients to look for.

Confirm Agreed-Upon Repairs Were Actually Done

If repairs were negotiated after inspection, don't just take someone's word that they're finished. Check them in person. A repaired item should look and function like it was actually fixed, not just patched enough to pass a glance.

Test Everything That Uses Water or Power

Run the faucets. Flush the toilets. Turn on every light switch and test major appliances if they're included in the sale. These are the kinds of things that get overlooked in a quick walkthrough but are simple enough to catch before you're locked into closing.

Check That the House Matches What You Remember

Walls get touched up, furniture gets removed, and sometimes fixtures get swapped out before a seller moves. Walk through with your inspection report and initial showing photos in mind. If something looks different, ask why before you sign anything.

Look at the Exterior With Fresh Eyes

Buyers often focus entirely on the interior during a final walkthrough, but exterior issues can develop or worsen between your offer and closing. Check the roofline, gutters, and any exterior areas flagged during inspection. Weather between your offer and closing can change things.

Bring Your Inspection Report With You

Your final walkthrough isn't the time to remember concerns from memory. Bring the inspection report itself and go through it point by point. It keeps the walkthrough focused and makes su

re nothing gets missed in the moment.

Why This Step Matters

A final walkthrough is short, but it's your last built-in opportunity to protect yourself before ownership officially transfers. Treating it seriously, rather than as a quick formality, can save you real time and money down the line.

If you're getting close to closing and want a second set of eyes at your final walkthrough, I'm happy to be there with you.

Shannon Hall is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty specializing in Blue Bell and the surrounding Montgomery County communities. She is a mom, a lifelong Montgomery County resident, and someone who genuinely loves helping families find their place in this community. Contact Shannon at homewithhall.com.