What to Expect at a Final Walkthrough — and What Can Still Go Wrong

What to Expect at a Final Walkthrough — and What Can Still Go Wrong

  • Denise Hurd
  • 12/10/25

Your final walkthrough is the moment where excitement meets reality — you’re only days away from getting the keys to your new home in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Paradise Valley. But the walkthrough is also an important checkpoint to make sure the property is in the condition you agreed to purchase.

As someone who guides Arizona buyers through this step every week, here’s exactly what you should expect… and the issues we watch for so your closing stays smooth and stress-free.


What a Final Walkthrough Really Is

A final walkthrough is not another home inspection.
It’s your chance to confirm that:

  • The home is still in the condition you last saw

  • All agreed-upon repairs have been completed

  • Nothing has been damaged during move-out

  • Appliances and systems are functioning

  • The home is clean and ready for closing

Think of it as your final “Yes, this is exactly what I’m buying.”


When the Walkthrough Happens

Typically:
24–72 hours before closing.
This gives time to address any last-minute concerns before signing final documents.


What You Should Check During the Walkthrough

I’ll guide you through each step, but here’s what we focus on:


1. Confirm All Repairs Were Completed

If the seller agreed to certain repairs, now is the time to confirm:

  • They’re finished

  • They were done professionally

  • They meet what was outlined in your repair agreement

If something looks incomplete or incorrect, we address it immediately.


2. Test All Major Systems

We’ll turn on and test:

  • Air conditioning (a must in Arizona)

  • Heating

  • Light switches

  • Outlets

  • Plumbing fixtures

Everything should work exactly as expected.


3. Inspect Appliances

Make sure:

  • Refrigerator cools

  • Stove and oven heat

  • Dishwasher runs

  • Microwave works

  • Washer and dryer function (if included)

If something changed between inspection and now, we’ll catch it.


4. Look for Move-Out Damage

Sometimes, damage happens when sellers:

  • Move furniture

  • Patch holes

  • Remove wall mounts

We confirm:

  • No new scratches

  • No broken tiles

  • No unexpected holes or marks


5. Check That Items Included in the Sale Are Still There

This may include:

  • Appliances

  • Window coverings

  • Attached fixtures

  • Smart home devices (unless excluded)

Everything listed in your contract must still be present.


6. Confirm the Home Is Clean & Empty

Most Arizona contracts require homes to be left “broom clean.”

We confirm:

  • No trash left behind

  • No abandoned items

  • No food left in appliances

  • Garage and yard are cleared


What Can Still Go Wrong (And How We Handle It)

Most walkthroughs go smoothly. But if something does come up, it’s usually one of these:


1. Repairs Were Not Completed

If a seller promised repairs and didn’t follow through, we address it before closing.

Solutions may include:

  • Escrow funds held back

  • Credits to you

  • Repair completion before signing

You won’t be left responsible for something that wasn’t completed.


2. Appliances or Systems Stop Working

Sometimes systems fail during move-out or while sitting unused.

We work to ensure the seller addresses the issue or provides a credit.


3. The Home Isn’t Clean or Items Are Left Behind

This is common — and fixable.

Options may include:

  • Seller cleaning before closing

  • Credit to cover cleaning

  • Removal of leftover belongings


4. Damage From Move-Out

Walls, floors, and doors sometimes take hits during the seller’s move.

We document everything and request the seller address it.


5. Missing Items

If something included in the contract is missing (fixtures, appliances, remotes, keys), we handle it quickly.


6. Last-Minute Utility or Water Issues

If utilities were shut off early, certain functions can’t be tested.
We ensure the seller turns them back on immediately.


The Walkthrough Should Feel Reassuring — Not Stressful

When handled correctly, the final walkthrough gives you peace of mind, confirms the home is ready, and ensures you walk into closing confident and excited. My job is to guide you through each step calmly, catch issues early, and make sure every detail aligns with your expectations.


FAQs: Final Walkthroughs in Arizona

Q: Can I back out during the walkthrough?
A: The walkthrough itself doesn’t create a new cancellation right, but significant issues can delay closing or require negotiation.

Q: What if we find something wrong?
A: We address it immediately — often through credits, repairs, or escrow holds.

Q: Does the seller need to be present?
A: No, walkthroughs are typically done by the buyer and their agent only.

Q: How long does the walkthrough take?
A: Usually 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of the home.

Q: What if the home isn’t move-in ready?
A: We negotiate solutions so you aren’t left with unexpected repairs or issues.


Planning Your Move in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, or Phoenix?

Let’s make sure your purchase stays smooth all the way to closing. I’ll guide you through your walkthrough — and every step leading up to it — with clarity and confidence.

📞 480-980-4400
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.denisehurd.com

Your next chapter begins with a smooth closing — and I’m here to ensure it happens.

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