Final Walk-Through

The Importance of the Final Walkthrough: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

Insights from Talk Real Estate Roundtable with Boston Connect Real Estate

At Boston Connect Real Estate, we believe that education is one of the most valuable tools we can provide buyers and sellers. In a recent episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, hosts Melissa Wallace and Tracy Grady took a deep dive into one of the final and most important steps of a real estate transaction: the final walkthrough.

While often overlooked, this critical step can make the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful one. Here’s what every buyer and seller should know before closing day arrives.

What Is a Final Walkthrough?

A final walkthrough typically occurs within 24 hours of closing. It is not another home inspection. Instead, it is the buyer’s opportunity to confirm that:

• The home is in the same condition as when the offer was accepted.

• No new damage has occurred during the seller’s move-out.

• All systems and mechanicals that worked previously still operate as expected.

• All agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

• The seller has fully vacated and met the “broom clean” requirement.

• All items that were supposed to stay including appliances, fixtures, and window treatments—are still in place.

For sellers, the walkthrough is the last checkpoint before passing ownership to the new buyers. For buyers, it is a chance to ensure they’re walking into the home they expect.

The Purpose: Peace of Mind for Buyers

During the walkthrough, buyers are looking for confirmation not perfection. This includes:

✔ Verifying Completed Repairs

If the home inspection revealed issues that were resolved by the seller, buyers should:

• Bring the repair list from the P&S and inspection addendum

• Review receipts, warranties, or certificates

• Confirm the work was completed professionally

For example, the agents discussed a home with mold remediation in the attic, which required certificates to be transferred to the buyer. These documents are essential, and buyers should receive them before closing day.

✔ Ensuring the Home is Empty & Clean

In Massachusetts, sellers are required to leave the home in broom-clean condition meaning:

• Floors swept

• Surfaces wiped

• Cabinets empty

• No debris left behind

Most sellers go above and beyond, arranging for a professional cleaning crew. But buyers should still inspect kitchens, drawers, appliances, and the garage or basement for stray items.

✔ Checking for Move-Out Damage

Even the most careful sellers can accidentally cause damage while moving. Buyers should look for:

• Floor scratches from dragging furniture

• Damaged walls where TVs, shelves, or decor were removed

• Water leaks from disconnected appliances

• Broken windows or hardware previously hidden by furniture

The show even recalled a real example where a safe dropped during move-out, damaging exterior brick steps, proof that anything can happen!

What Buyers Should Not Do During the Walkthrough

A final walkthrough is not the time to retest every appliance or mechanical system unless no inspection was completed. Generally:

• You do not run the dishwasher through a full cycle

• You do not retest the heating system, stove, or electrical systems

• You do not make new demands unrelated to the home’s condition

These were already addressed during the home inspection.

What Sellers Should Leave Behind (and What They Shouldn’t) ✔ Items Sellers May Leave (With Permission)

• Matching paint for touch-ups

• Extra floorboards, tiles, or siding

• Window screens or storm windows

• Pool equipment and maintenance tools

• Manuals, remotes, and spare keys

Communication is key, nothing should be left without confirming the buyer wants it.

✘ Items Sellers Should Never Leave Without Approval

• Old or hazardous paint cans

• Chemicals, oil, or propane tanks

• Construction debris

• Broken furniture or outdated patio sets

• Food or cleaning supplies

• Kiddie pools, swing sets, or other large items not negotiated

• Items stored in the attic or basement that were simply forgotten

The agents discussed common oversights  like sellers accidentally leaving old gardening stakes, basement junk, or even full hockey bags buried in attic corners.

Handling Unexpected Surprises

The walkthrough is where last-minute surprises can derail a transaction. Some real-life examples from the episode included:

• A tree falling through a condo roof prior to closing

• A sump pump failure causing basement flooding

• Unremoved outdoor furniture despite multiple reminders

• Refrigerators dragged across floors, causing large scratches

Issues like these must be resolved before the buyer signs on closing day.

Why This Step Matters

For most people, buying a home is the largest financial decision they’ll ever make. The final walkthrough:

• Protects buyers from unexpected expenses

• Ensures the property condition complies with the P&S

• Builds trust between both parties

• Sets the tone for a smooth closing

And for sellers? A clean, worry-free walkthrough is the last opportunity to leave a great impression.