What should I check at the final walkthrough before closing on a house in Virginia?

The final walkthrough is your last look at the home before closing, and its job is narrow. You are confirming the house is in the condition your contract says it will be, not re-inspecting it from scratch.

Most buyers treat it like a victory lap. A little preparation turns it into the one visit that can save you a headache.

What is the walkthrough actually for?

It checks three things: the agreed repairs were done, the home hasn’t changed since your offer, and everything that was supposed to stay is still there.

It isn’t a second home inspection, and it isn’t the moment to ask for new things. If you spot something that existed when you made your offer, you may have a harder time raising it now. Something that’s changed since then is a different matter.

What should I bring?

Bring your contract and any repair addendum, so you can check against the document instead of your memory. A phone charger is handy for testing outlets, and your phone’s camera helps you record what you find.

If you can, bring your inspection report too. Walk the items you flagged and look for evidence that each one was handled.

What should I check, room by room?

Test the things you’ll use on day one. Run the sinks and tubs and watch for slow drains or leaks under the cabinets. Flip light switches, try a few outlets, and open and close the windows and exterior doors.

Turn on the furnace or air conditioning, whichever fits the season, and run the dishwasher, oven and any other appliance that conveys. Flush the toilets. Check the garage door opener.

Then look at the surfaces. Is there new damage to floors, walls or ceilings from the seller moving out? Are there stains that weren’t there before, which can be a sign of a leak? Look at the yard too, since storms can bring down limbs or fences between contract and closing.

Are the repairs really done?

If the seller agreed to repairs, ask for the paperwork: receipts, a contractor’s invoice or a permit where relevant. A repair you can’t see, such as electrical or plumbing work, is worth documenting.

Check that the work looks complete and finished, not partial. If you aren’t sure whether something meets the terms of your addendum, say so to your agent and ask for the paperwork before closing.

What if something is wrong?

Tell your agent right then, and photograph it. They can contact the seller’s agent about a fix, a credit or more time, depending on what your contract allows.

Please don’t wait until the closing table to raise it, and don’t sign thinking you’ll sort it out later. This section is general information, not legal advice. If the problem is large or the wording of your contract is unclear, talk to a Virginia real estate attorney or your lender about your options.

Should I still go if the home is vacant and clean?

Yes. A clean, empty house is exactly when a stain, a missing fixture or a dead appliance is easiest to spot. It’s also the last time you will see the home before the keys are yours.

My rule of thumb is simple: if it’s in the contract, confirm it. If it’s not, ask whether it matters enough to raise now.

For more on what comes next, read our guide on what happens at a Virginia home closing. If you want to revisit what to look for earlier in the process, see what happens at a home inspection.

What should I do next?

If you’re under contract, ask your agent for a walkthrough checklist tailored to your repair addendum and the home’s age, and schedule the visit early. If you’re still shopping, talk to us about buying. Our Glen Allen office can help, and you can read more from Daniel Keeton.