What to Expect From Your Final Walkthrough: A Buyer’s Checklist for 2025

Introduction: It’s Almost Yours… But Not Yet

You’ve found the perfect home, negotiated like a champ, survived inspections, and made it to the closing table. There’s just one more thing standing between you and the keys: the final walkthrough.

But what exactly is a final walkthrough? Is it just a quick tour for fun? Should you bring a checklist or just your camera for selfies?

Spoiler alert: This isn’t just a formality—it’s your last chance to make sure your new home is move-in ready and matches the deal you signed. And in 2025, with tighter contracts, rising repair costs, and increased buyer protections in Tennessee and North Georgia, doing a thorough walkthrough is more important than ever.

In this post, we’ll walk you through (pun intended) exactly what to expect, what to look for, what to bring, and what to do if something goes wrong during your final walkthrough.

What Is a Final Walkthrough?

The final walkthrough is your opportunity—usually 24 to 48 hours before closing—to confirm that:

• All agreed-upon repairs have been completed
  

• The home is in the condition stated in your purchase contract
  

• No new damage or issues have popped up since your last visit
  

• The sellers have vacated (unless otherwise agreed)
  

💡 Pro Tip: This is not a time to renegotiate. It’s a “check-in” to make sure everything’s as promised—so you can sign those closing docs with confidence.

Why the Final Walkthrough Matters in 2025

• Repair timelines have lengthened due to contractor shortages—meaning things could still be unfinished.
  

• Storms and weather damage are more common in East TN and North GA. That roof that looked fine in April may have leaked in May.
  

• Smart homes and appliances can add complexity—are they reset and functional?
  

The Ultimate 2025 Final Walkthrough Checklist for Buyers

Bring this list, your agent, your contract, and your phone—and leave nothing to chance.

✅ 1. Check Repairs and Agreed-Upon Work

Bring your repair addendum or inspection agreement and verify that:

• All listed repairs have been completed
  

• Receipts or proof of work were provided
  

• Repairs were done by licensed professionals, if required
  

🛠️ If you agreed on a new water heater, don’t assume it’s there—go check it.

✅ 2. Test Major Systems & Appliances

Even if they worked during inspection, double-check now:

• Lights and ceiling fans
  

• HVAC and thermostat
  

• Kitchen appliances (oven, stove, microwave, fridge)
  

• Washer and dryer, if included
  

• Water heater
  

• Garage door openers
  

• Water softeners, alarms, and smart home devices
  

✅ 3. Look for New Damage or Missing Fixtures

Sometimes things go wrong during the seller’s move-out—scratches, wall holes, missing blinds, you name it.

Check that:

• Walls, floors, and ceilings look the same as before
  

• No new stains, dents, or leaks have appeared
  

• Fixtures (lighting, towel bars, cabinet hardware) are still in place
  

• Any personal property included in the sale is present
  

✅ 4. Run the Plumbing

Yes, flush the toilets. Turn on faucets. Check for:

• Leaks under sinks
  

• Slow drains
  

• Water pressure issues
  

• Running toilets or dripping taps
  

💧 Real Talk: It’s awkward now, but less awkward than discovering a flooded bathroom on move-in day.

✅ 5. Inspect the Exterior

Walk the property, especially if it’s been weeks or months since your offer was accepted.

Look for:

• Roof damage (shingles, gutters, fascia)
  

• Signs of erosion or drainage issues
  

• Fence or gate damage
  

• Trash, debris, or items left behind
  

🌿 Reminder: The seller should leave the home broom-clean—not packed with junk and “free mulch.”

✅ 6. Check Doors, Windows & Security

• Do all doors and windows open, close, and lock properly?
  

• Are screens intact?
  

• Are remotes and keys accounted for?
  

• If there's a smart lock, is it reset and ready for your access?
  

✅ 7. Utilities & Systems

Ensure electricity, gas, and water are still on (you need them for proper testing). If utilities were shut off early, contact your agent immediately.

Featured Snippet: Final Walkthrough Checklist for Buyers (2025)

Final Walkthrough Checklist Before Closing:

1. Verify all agreed repairs are complete
   

2. Test appliances, plumbing, and HVAC
   

3. Check for new damage or missing items
   

4. Inspect exterior, roof, and fences
   

5. Ensure doors, windows, locks work
   

6. Confirm utilities are on
   

7. Bring your agent and contract to cross-reference
   

What If Something’s Wrong?

Don’t panic—but don’t close until it’s resolved. Here are your options:

• Minor issues: Ask for a credit at closing or request a hold-back of funds until it's fixed.
  

• Major issues: Delay closing until the seller addresses it.
  

• Missing items: Escalate through your agent—if it was included in the contract, it must stay.
  

Your real estate agent will help negotiate a fair solution or delay closing if necessary. Document everything with photos and notes.

Local Insight: What Walkthroughs Reveal in East TN & North GA

📍 Chattanooga Valley – Watch for older HVAC units or DIY repairs in mid-century homes
📍 Ringgold & LaFayette – Rural homes often have detached buildings—check that barns, sheds, and workshops are emptied and secure
📍 Cleveland & Athens, TN – Ensure basements and crawlspaces are dry and pest-free
📍 Lookout Mountain area – Check smart home features and solar panels are functioning as expected

Common Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the walkthrough entirely
❌ Assuming repairs were done correctly without checking
❌ Not testing appliances or water systems
❌ Letting cosmetic issues slide “just to close”
❌ Not asking your agent to walk through with you

Conclusion: One Last Walk, One Big Peace of Mind

You’ve worked hard to get this far—don’t stumble at the finish line. The final walkthrough is your moment to take control, spot issues, and protect your investment.

It’s not about nitpicking—it’s about making sure the house you’re about to buy is the house you agreed to buy.

🎯 Buying in 2025? Hanson Capital Homes will guide you through the walkthrough and every other step, making sure you close with confidence—and without regrets. Let’s connect when you’re ready for keys in hand. Click here!