What You Need to Know About the Final Walkthrough

In a competitive market like Alexandria, Virginia, the final walkthrough is one of the most important steps before closing. At The Patterson Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, we guide our clients through this last inspection to ensure there are no surprises between contract and keys.

From the first showing to settlement day, weeks (sometimes months) can pass. The final walkthrough, typically completed the day before closing, is your last opportunity to confirm the home is in the condition you agreed to purchase.

Here’s what buyers should look for:

1. Confirm All Negotiated Repairs Are Complete

If repairs were agreed upon after the home inspection, this is the time to verify they were properly completed.

• Review receipts and documentation.

• Test or visually inspect each repaired item

• Speak up immediately if something doesn’t meet the agreement

2. Make Sure the Home Is Empty (Unless Otherwise Agreed)

Unless your contract states otherwise, the seller should remove all personal belongings before closing. The home should be delivered to you “broom swept” and clear of any trash or debris. Although all should be cleared, It’s common for sellers to leave extra paint, spare tiles/parts, and appliance manuals that could be helpful in your homeownership.

3. Assess Cleanliness and Overall Condition

While a home doesn’t need to be professionally detailed (unless agreed upon), it should be left in reasonable condition. Watch for new damage from move-out, excessive debris, or exterior damage. If anything has materially changed since contract ratification, it may need to be addressed before closing.

4. Verify Personal Property Items

Personal property includes items not permanently attached to the home, such as certain appliances, patio furniture, or mounted TVs (if specified in the contract). It’s good practice to review the conveyance section in the contract to confirm everything included in the agreement remains in the home.

5. Test Everything!

Turn on and test lights, faucets and toilets, HVAC systems, appliances, garage doors, and windows. This isn’t about minor issues like a burned-out bulb; it’s about catching anything significant before ownership transfers. If utilities are off, request that they be turned on prior to the walkthrough to avoid settlement delays.

What Happens If There’s an Issue? 

If something isn’t right, there are several ways to resolve it. You can choose to delay closing until the issue is resolved. Or you may decide to ask for a credit at closing from the seller for minor repairs or services that were not completed. Or you may choose to hold back a portion of the seller’s proceeds to be held in escrow until repairs are completed.

We work closely with lenders, title companies, and attorneys to keep transactions moving smoothly while protecting our clients’ interests. Buying a home in Alexandria, from historic Old Town properties to waterfront estates along the George Washington Parkway, is exciting! But excitement shouldn’t replace due diligence. The final walkthrough ensures the home you negotiated for is the home you’re receiving. If you’re preparing to buy or sell in Alexandria, VA, The Patterson Group is here to guide you every step of the way.

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