What Should I Check During a Final Walkthrough in Grand Rapids?
During a final walkthrough in Grand Rapids, you should check that the home is in the agreed condition, that included items are still there, that agreed repairs were completed, and that no new damage appeared before closing.
The final walkthrough is not a second inspection. It is usually a shorter visit near closing to make sure the property still matches the purchase agreement.
What Is the Purpose of the Final Walkthrough?
The final walkthrough gives you one last chance to look at the home before signing closing documents.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends doing a final walk-through before signing papers and making sure anything the buyer and seller agreed would be repaired has been completed. You can read CFPB’s closing guidance here: CFPB Close the Deal.
In plain English, this is your chance to make sure the home did not change in a meaningful way between your offer and closing.
Check That Agreed Repairs Were Completed
If the seller agreed to repairs after inspection, those repairs should be reviewed during the walkthrough.
This does not mean you are opening up walls or redoing the inspection. But you should check the items that were specifically negotiated. If the seller agreed to repair a leaking sink, replace a broken window, service the furnace, or fix an electrical issue, those items should be looked at before closing.
NAR’s final walkthrough checklist also recommends confirming requested repairs were made and that copies of paid bills or warranties are available when applicable. You can review that checklist here: NAR Final Walkthrough Checklist.
Make Sure Included Items Are Still There
The final walkthrough is also when you confirm that included items are still in the home.
- Kitchen appliances
- Washer and dryer, if included
- Window treatments, if included
- Light fixtures
- Garage door openers
- Keys, remotes, and access items when applicable
- Any other items specifically written into the purchase agreement
If something was supposed to stay, it should still be there. If something was supposed to be removed, it should be gone.
Look for New Damage
A lot can happen between inspection and closing. Sellers move furniture, boxes, appliances, and personal belongings out of the home. That is when new damage can show up.
During the walkthrough, look for new wall damage, scratched floors, broken doors, missing fixtures, water leaks, damaged trim, or anything else that was not present before.
The goal is not to nitpick normal move-out dust or small cosmetic marks. The goal is to catch meaningful changes before you close.
Test the Major Basics
I usually want buyers to check the basic systems and fixtures during the final walkthrough.
- Run faucets
- Flush toilets
- Check for obvious leaks under sinks
- Turn lights on and off
- Test garage doors
- Check appliances that are included
- Look at the furnace and air conditioner operation when practical
- Check the basement for obvious new water issues
- Confirm the home is generally empty and clean enough for transfer
This does not replace professional inspections or contractor review. It is just a practical last look before closing.
Check the Basement, Attic, Garage, and Exterior
Buyers often focus on the kitchen and living spaces because those are the areas they are most excited about. But the less exciting areas matter too.
In Grand Rapids, I like to pay attention to basements, garages, attics when accessible, and exterior areas. Look for signs of new water, missing items, leftover debris, or damage from move-out.
If there was a storm, heavy rain, or major temperature change between inspection and closing, those areas deserve another look.
What If Something Is Wrong?
If something is wrong during the final walkthrough, do not ignore it and hope it works itself out after closing.
Depending on the issue, your options may include delaying closing, asking the seller to correct the issue, negotiating a credit, holding funds in escrow if allowed and agreed, or documenting a solution before signing.
The right response depends on the contract, the issue, the timing, the lender, and the title company. This is why the walkthrough should not be treated as a casual formality.
Should I Do the Walkthrough the Same Day as Closing?
In many Grand Rapids transactions, the final walkthrough happens the day before closing or the morning of closing.
I usually prefer doing it as close to closing as practical. If you walk through too early, things can still change before possession transfers. If you wait until the last minute, there may be less time to solve a problem.
The best timing depends on the home, the seller’s move-out plan, possession terms, and the closing schedule.
Jason’s Take
I do not treat the final walkthrough like a victory lap. It is still part of the transaction.
Most walkthroughs are uneventful, which is what we want. But the one time you skip it or rush it is usually the time you find out later that an appliance is missing, a repair was not completed, or the seller left behind a garage full of stuff.
For Grand Rapids buyers, my advice is simple: slow down, check the things that matter, and speak up before closing if something does not match the agreement.
Bottom Line
During a final walkthrough in Grand Rapids, check repairs, included items, appliances, plumbing, lights, basement areas, garage spaces, exterior condition, and signs of new damage.
The walkthrough is not meant to restart negotiations over small issues, but it is your last chance to confirm the home is being delivered the way you agreed before you sign closing documents.
About the Author
Jason Pohlonski is a Michigan licensed real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Grand Rapids East. He helps buyers and sellers throughout Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Ada, Byron Center, Jenison, Cascade, and surrounding West Michigan communities.
Jason began his real estate career in Chicago in 2004, later expanding his experience in Ann Arbor from 2014 to 2019, and has been serving clients in the Grand Rapids area since 2019.
With over 20 years of combined real estate experience across multiple markets, Jason focuses on helping clients make clear real estate decisions involving pricing, offer terms, inspections, appraisals, relocation timing, and buy-sell planning.
Industry Recognition
Jason is recognized by platforms and industry organizations including Zillow, Grand Rapids Magazine Real Estate All-Stars, and Real Producers for his work serving West Michigan buyers and sellers.
Jason also supports One More Moment, a nonprofit that grants wishes to late-stage cancer patients, by donating $100 for every successful closing.
Professional Disclosure
Jason Pohlonski
Michigan Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
License Verification: Verify Michigan License #6501386166
Brokerage: Keller Williams Grand Rapids East
Brokerage Office: 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
📱 Call or text: 616-916-9770
📅 Schedule consultation:
https://calendly.com/pohlonskirealestate/30min
📧 Email: jpohlonski@kw.com
This article reflects real client experiences and market conditions in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities at the time of publication. Real estate outcomes can vary depending on market conditions, property characteristics, buyer demand, financing terms, inspection results, appraisal results, and lender requirements.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, engineering, inspection, or floodplain determination advice. Buyers and sellers should consult qualified professionals before making decisions involving financing, insurance, inspections, taxes, legal issues, or property risk.
