The Final Walk-Through: What Buyers Should Check Before Getting the Keys
Pennant Real Estate
The Final Walk-Through: What Every Buyer Should Check Before Getting the Keys
You can almost feel those keys in your hand. 🎉
You've toured the home. You've survived the inspection. You've signed more papers than you ever thought possible. The finish line is right there — and it is so exciting.
But before the celebration begins, there's one last important visit to make: the final walk-through.
This is your chance to see the home after the seller has moved out. It's your opportunity to confirm everything is exactly as you agreed to buy it. Repairs done? Appliances still there? No new damage from moving day? This visit answers all of that.
Think of it this way — the home inspection told you what the home looked like then. The final walk-through tells you what it looks like now. And that difference matters.
Here's your step-by-step guide to making the most of it.
What Is a Final Walk-Through?
A final walk-through is a visit to the home shortly before closing. It usually happens within 24 to 48 hours of your closing date. The goal is simple: confirm the home is in the condition you agreed to purchase it in.
It is not a second home inspection. It is a focused check to make sure nothing has changed — and that agreed-upon repairs were actually completed.
Step 1: Review Your Purchase Agreement First
Before you walk through a single door, sit down with your documents.
Pull out your:
- Purchase agreement
- Inspection report
- Repair agreement
- Any written notes about what stays with the home
Go over the details with your agent. What did the seller agree to fix? Is the refrigerator included? Are the window blinds staying? Should the seller hand over receipts, warranties, or permits?
Knowing the answers before you walk in gives you a clear plan. You won't be guessing — you'll be checking.
Step 2: Look Carefully Now That the Rooms Are Empty
Here's something buyers often don't expect: an empty home looks very different.
Rugs, furniture, and wall art can hide a lot during showings. Now that all of that is gone, you can finally see the full picture.
Walk through every room and check for:
- Scuffs, holes, or damage on the walls
- Scratches or stains on the floors
- Cracks or water stains on the ceilings
- Windows and doors that open, close, and lock properly
- Signs of leaks under sinks and around toilets and tubs
If there has been a storm or bad weather since your last visit, check the basement, roof, yard, and the outside of the home extra carefully.
A few small nail holes from picture frames? That's pretty normal. But a cracked window, a damaged floor, or an active leak? That needs attention. Point it out to your agent right away.
Step 3: Test Everything Included in the Sale
Your agent will let you know what you can test during the visit. Work through the list together.
Run through these basics:
- Turn on every faucet and let the water run
- Flush every toilet
- Flip every light switch
- Adjust the thermostat and feel for heating or cooling
- Open and close all windows and exterior doors
For appliances staying with the home:
- Test the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, and dryer
- Make sure they're still present and working
Don't forget the small stuff:
- Test the garage door opener — and find the remote
- Test the doorbell
- Look for keys, remotes, screens, manuals, or accessories that should stay with the home
It sounds like a lot. But trust us — finding out the garage door remote is missing on moving day is a headache you don't want. A quick check now saves a lot of stress later.
Step 4: Verify Every Agreed-Upon Repair
This is one of the most important parts of the walk-through.
After weeks of negotiations and paperwork, it's easy to lose track of what the seller actually agreed to fix. Bring your repair agreement and go through it line by line.
- Did they agree to fix a sticky door? Open and close it.
- Was a leaking faucet on the list? Run the water and check under the sink.
- Were receipts, permits, or warranties promised? Ask to see them.
Some repairs — especially electrical, roofing, or structural work — can't be fully checked with a quick look. In those cases, the paperwork or professional documentation required in your agreement is what matters most.
Your agent will help you confirm what was promised and flag anything that's still outstanding.
Step 5: Check Beyond the Main Rooms
Once the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms are done, it's tempting to call it complete. But a few important spots still need your eyes.
Don't skip:
- The garage
- The basement
- Closets and storage rooms
- The yard and exterior
- The attic or crawl space (if safely accessible and part of your plan)
These areas often held boxes and clutter during earlier showings. Now that they're cleared out, hidden damage or leftover debris may be visible for the first time. Make sure the seller removed all of their belongings and that any outdoor items included in the sale are still on the property.
What to Do If You Find a Problem
Take a breath. You don't have to figure this out alone.
If you spot something that doesn't look right, here's what to do:
- Take photos
- Note exactly where the issue is
- Tell your agent immediately
Your agent can compare what you found against your purchase agreement, contact the seller's representative, and loop in the attorney or closing professional if needed. Your options will depend on your specific agreement and local rules in Louisiana.
The key is this: raise concerns before closing, not after. Once the transaction is complete, your options are much more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Final Walk-Through
How long does a final walk-through take?
Most final walk-throughs take between 30 minutes and an hour. Larger homes may take longer. It depends on the size of the home and how many items are on your checklist.
Can I refuse to close if something is wrong?
That depends on your purchase agreement and the severity of the issue. Your agent and closing attorney can advise you on your options based on Louisiana real estate law.
What if the seller hasn't moved out yet?
This can complicate the walk-through. Talk to your agent right away. Your agreement should outline the timeline for the seller to vacate.
Do I need my agent at the final walk-through?
Yes — absolutely bring your agent. They know the details of your contract and can help you evaluate anything you find on the spot.
What happens if repairs weren't completed?
Your agent can contact the listing agent and negotiate next steps. Options may include a closing credit, delayed closing, or funds held in escrow until the work is done.
You're Almost There — Make This Last Step Count
The final walk-through is your last checkpoint before the biggest purchase of your life becomes official. It's not the time to rush. It's the time to be thorough, stay focused, and ask questions.
When everything checks out, you'll close with confidence — knowing your new home is exactly what you agreed to buy. And that is the best way to start this next chapter. 🏡
Getting close to your final walk-through in the Baton Rouge area? Reach out to Pennant Real Estate. Whether you're buying in Prairieville, St. George, West Baton Rouge, or anywhere in the Greater Baton Rouge market, Pennant Real Estate is here to walk you through every step — including this one.
📞 Contact us today and let's get you to closing with confidence.