What to Expect at Your Final Walk-Through: A Memphis-Area Buyer's Guide
What the Walk-Through Is (and Isn't)
The final walk-through usually happens a day or two before closing, and it's your chance to confirm the home is in the condition you agreed to buy. It's not a second inspection or a time to renegotiate price — it's a verification step. You're making sure agreed-upon repairs were completed, nothing new has broken, and the seller left the property as promised. Taking it seriously protects the investment you're about to finalize.
Confirm Agreed Repairs Were Done
If your contract required the seller to make repairs after the inspection, the walk-through is where you verify the work. Bring your inspection report and repair addendum, and check each item off. Ask for receipts or documentation on bigger jobs, like roof or HVAC work, so you know a professional handled it. If something wasn't completed or was done poorly, that's exactly the kind of issue you want to catch now — not after you own the home.
Test the Systems and Appliances
Take a few minutes to run the home through its paces. Turn on faucets, flush toilets, test the heat and air conditioning, open and close garage doors, and check that included appliances power on. Flip light switches and look under sinks for leaks. Memphis summers make a working AC non-negotiable, so confirm it's cooling properly. These small checks can surface problems that developed since your last visit and give you peace of mind before you sign.
Look for New Damage or Missing Items
Homes can change between contract and closing. Look for damage that may have happened during the seller's move-out — scuffed walls, scratched floors, or fixtures that were removed. Confirm that anything included in the sale, like a refrigerator, shelving, or window treatments, is still there. It's easy to assume everything's fine, but a careful look now prevents disputes later. Note anything that doesn't match your agreement so it can be addressed before you close.
Bring the Right Tools and People
Come prepared. Bring your contract, inspection report, phone for photos, and a simple charger to test outlets. Your agent should be with you to help document any concerns and advise on next steps. If possible, schedule the walk-through when there's daylight and the utilities are still on. Give yourself enough time to be thorough rather than rushing through in ten minutes. A calm, methodical pass beats a hurried glance every time.
What to Do If Something's Wrong
Finding a problem doesn't mean the deal collapses. Depending on the issue, options include delaying closing until it's fixed, negotiating a credit, or having funds held in escrow for repairs. The key is to raise concerns immediately, before you sign, while you still have leverage. Your agent can help you weigh how serious the issue is and what resolution makes sense. Most problems found at this stage get resolved without derailing the purchase.
Walk-Through to Closing Table
Once the walk-through checks out, you're in the home stretch. Keep your phone handy for any last-minute lender or title questions, avoid making big financial moves before closing, and confirm the details of your closing appointment. A smooth walk-through sets up a smooth closing. If you're buying in the Memphis area, I'll be right there with you for this step, making sure nothing gets overlooked before the keys are in your hand.
Thinking about your next move in the Memphis area? Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I'd love to help you navigate it with confidence. Reach out any time — I'm always happy to talk through what makes sense for your situation.
Kelly Day, SRES, SRS, AHWD, PSA, RENE
Multi Million Dollar Club | Broker Lic # 365811
simpliHOM | 901-289-9227 | 855-856-9466
[email protected] | https://memphishouselistings.com
