The final walkthrough works best when both sides know what is being checked. Buyers need to confirm the agreed handover. Sellers need enough time to remove what is leaving, organize what is staying and document any promised work. Put the checklist together before moving day, not while the closing appointment is starting.
Bring the agreement, not just your memory
The CFPB closing guide recommends a final walkthrough to check agreed repairs and included items before signing closing documents. The relevant timing and scope should be confirmed against your signed agreement.
Prepare a short reference packet containing the included-property list, any repair agreement, receipts provided and unresolved questions. If the home is furnished, use the written inventory rather than assuming everything visible during a showing stays. Photograph relevant conditions with permission and keep observations specific.
Use a room-by-room comparison
- Compare each included appliance, fixture or furnishing with the agreed list.
- Look for an apparent change in condition since the agreed reference point and record what you observe.
- Review promised work against the written scope and available completion records.
- Confirm that the agreed move-out condition has been addressed, including items and debris that should be removed.
- Identify keys, garage remotes, access devices and operating information to be handed over.
- Record anything that needs professional evaluation rather than declaring it repaired or defective yourself.
This is not an instruction to perform electrical, structural or other hazardous testing. Ask the appropriate professional about technical concerns. A walkthrough should not be treated as a replacement for the inspection work and decisions that belonged earlier in the transaction.
Sellers: prepare a handover folder
Group available manuals, service information, agreed receipts and access instructions. Label the physical keys you are transferring. Identify subscriptions, smart-home accounts or personal devices that need a planned handover, and avoid sharing personal passwords as a shortcut.
Check moving arrangements against the actual possession terms. If you need extra time, raise that issue before the final appointment. Do not assume the buyer's willingness to discuss it creates an occupancy agreement. Any post-closing stay needs separate, appropriate review.
Buyers: report a problem while it can be addressed
If something appears inconsistent with the agreement, contact your agent promptly and describe the issue with supporting information. Ask the transaction team what options are available. Do not unilaterally deduct money, assume a holdback will be accepted or sign away a concern without understanding the consequence.
For a buyer arriving from out of state, decide in advance who can attend, what they should compare and how you will be reached. A brief video call can help communication, but it is not a professional inspection or a substitute for required access and documentation.
Finish with an actual handover record
Keep the closing and possession steps distinct if they occur at different times. Confirm who will deliver keys and when possession is authorized. Ask Mo to coordinate the walkthrough and move-out checklist around your transaction. The goal is fewer last-minute surprises and a clear record of what was checked, what was transferred and what still requires resolution.