When buying a home, most Agreement of Purchase and Sale contracts include a clause allowing the buyer to visit the property two or three times before closing.

However, many buyers treat the final buyer visit as a quick walkthrough—just stepping inside for a few minutes and leaving.

In reality, the last visit before closing is extremely important.

As a real estate professional, I usually recommend that my clients schedule their final walkthrough 1–2 days before closing. By this time, the seller has usually moved out and the home has been cleaned, making it easier to inspect everything properly.

So what should buyers check during their final home walkthrough before closing?

1. Test All Appliances

Make sure all appliances included in the purchase are working properly.

Turn on and check:

• Refrigerator

• Stove / Cooktop

• Dishwasher

• Washer

• Dryer

• Air conditioning

• Heating system

Even if these appliances worked during earlier showings, it’s important to confirm they are still functioning before closing day.

2. Inspect Areas Previously Covered by Furniture

Once the seller moves out, areas that were previously hidden become visible.

Carefully check:

• Floors under large furniture

• Walls behind beds or cabinets

• Corners and baseboards

• Any marks, damage, or stains

Sometimes damage only becomes visible after the home is empty, so this step is important.

3. Verify Any Agreed Repairs

If your purchase agreement includes repair clauses, this is the time to confirm the work has been completed.

Examples include:

• Plumbing repairs

• Electrical fixes

• Roof repairs

• Appliance replacement

Make sure everything promised in the contract has been addressed before the closing date.

4. Learn How Special Systems Work

Some homes include systems that require instructions.

During the final visit, ask the seller or agent about:

• Pool equipment

• Security systems

• Smart home systems

• Irrigation systems

• Heating or ventilation controls

Learning how these systems operate will make your move-in experience much smoother.

5. Ask About Manuals and Warranties

Many responsible sellers will leave helpful documents behind.

These may include:

• Appliance manuals

• Warranty information

• Maintenance records

• Contractor receipts

These documents can be extremely valuable for future maintenance and repairs.

What If You Discover a Problem During the Final Walkthrough?

If an issue is found before closing, there are usually three ways it can be resolved.

1. Agents Communicate First

Often the buyer’s and seller’s agents can work out a quick solution.

2. Lawyers May Get Involved

If needed, the lawyers representing both parties can negotiate a resolution.

3. Common Solutions

For smaller issues, the most common solutions include:

• The buyer’s lawyer holding back part of the closing funds

• The seller providing financial compensation

• The seller arranging repairs immediately

In most cases, the closing can still proceed smoothly the next day.

Final Tip for Homebuyers

The final buyer visit is not just a formality.

It is your last opportunity to ensure the property is in the expected condition before closing.

If you are buying a home and approaching your closing date, make sure you carefully check these five key items during your final walkthrough.

A thorough final inspection can help prevent unexpected surprises and ensure a smooth and stress-free closing day.