Grand Rapids homebuyers with agent checking appliances and outlets during a final walkthrough before closing.

What should I check during the final walkthrough on a Grand Rapids home?

ByJason Pohlonski

During the final walkthrough on a Grand Rapids home, you should confirm that the property is in the agreed-upon condition, that requested repairs are complete, and that nothing unexpected has changed since your last visit. This step is your last chance to catch problems or missing items before you close, and it’s critical to approach it with a clear checklist and a practical mindset.

Quick Answer

The final walkthrough isn’t another inspection—it’s a focused review to make sure the home is in the same (or better) shape as when you wrote your offer. Check that all repairs from the inspection are finished, appliances and fixtures are present and working, and the property is clean and empty unless otherwise agreed.

Bring your contract and inspection repair list. Test light switches, outlets, faucets, toilets, doors, and windows. If you’re dealing with this situation, I’m happy to walk through it with you.

1. Confirm Repairs and Agreed-Upon Work

One of your top priorities during the final walkthrough is to verify that any repairs or work negotiated during the inspection period have been completed. Bring copies of repair receipts and your inspection amendment. Don’t just take the seller’s word—actually test or visually confirm each repair.

For example, if the seller agreed to fix a leaky faucet, turn it on and check for drips. If electrical work was promised, test the outlets or switches. In Grand Rapids, it’s not uncommon for repair vendors to be backlogged, so double-check that everything was finished on time. Jason’s take: I’ve seen buyers skip this step and end up with unfinished repairs after closing, which can lead to avoidable frustration.

2. Check All Appliances and Fixtures

It’s standard in Grand Rapids for appliances like the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer to be included if listed in the purchase agreement. During your walkthrough, make sure each appliance is present and working. Turn on the stove burners, run the dishwasher briefly, and make sure the fridge and freezer are cold.

Check that light fixtures, ceiling fans, and bathroom exhaust fans all work. If anything is missing or not functioning, flag it immediately. Jason’s take: I always bring a phone charger to test outlets and a golf ball to check if floors are sloped—small tools, big peace of mind.

3. Inspect for New Damage or Removal of Items

The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to catch new damage that wasn’t there during your inspection. Look for scuffed walls, broken windows, holes where TVs or shelves were removed, or water damage from recent storms. Sometimes, when sellers move out, damage is accidentally left behind.

Also, make sure nothing that was supposed to stay—like curtain rods, mirrors, or built-in shelving—has been removed. In Michigan, the purchase agreement defines what stays and what goes, but mistakes do happen. If you notice anything missing, report it to your agent right away.

4. Ensure Property Is Clean and Free of Debris

While the standard Grand Rapids contract requires the property to be “broom clean,” sellers sometimes leave behind unwanted items in the garage, basement, or attic. Walk through every space, including closets, storage rooms, and outdoor sheds. If you find anything major left behind, you can request the seller remove it before closing.

Rule of thumb: The home should be empty except for agreed-upon items. If there’s trash or furniture, notify your agent before closing. This is especially important if you’re moving in immediately after closing, as leftover junk can delay your plans.

Real Buyer Case Study

In 2023, I worked with first-time buyers purchasing a $350,000 home in Grand Rapids’ Alger Heights neighborhood. During the final walkthrough, we discovered a broken window that wasn’t damaged during the inspection. The seller’s movers had accidentally cracked it while moving out. Because we caught it before closing, we negotiated a seller credit to cover the repair. If we hadn’t done a thorough walkthrough, my clients would have inherited the problem and the cost.

Grand Rapids Buyer Market Insight

Over the past few years, Grand Rapids buyers have faced fast-moving markets and tight closing timelines. In multiple-offer situations, some buyers have tried to skip the final walkthrough to speed up the process—but I always recommend making time for it, even if it means an early morning or late evening appointment. In my experience, the buyers who are most thorough at this stage are the ones who close with the fewest surprises and regrets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Grand Rapids

Do I need to bring my agent to the final walkthrough?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. Your agent will help spot issues, reference your contract, and ensure any last-minute problems are handled before you close.

What if I find something wrong during the walkthrough?

If you discover new damage or unfinished repairs, notify your agent immediately. You can delay closing, request a seller credit, or have the seller fix it before closing.

Can I do the walkthrough the day of closing?

Yes, and in Grand Rapids, most buyers schedule the walkthrough within 24 hours of closing—often the morning of. This reduces the risk of missing last-minute issues.

Should I check for water leaks during the walkthrough?

Absolutely. Run all faucets, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks. Water issues can develop quickly and may not have been present during your inspection.

Related Grand Rapids Buyer Resources

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.

Similar Posts