Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Final Walkthrough Before Closing

So, you’re days away from closing on your new home in Central Illinois. The paperwork is nearly done, the loan is cleared, and your boxes are halfway packed. It’s tempting to think, “Let’s just sign and get the keys.” But hold up — there’s one last crucial step you don’t want to skip: the final walkthrough.

Whether you’re buying in Peoria, Pekin, Morton, or Metamora, the final walkthrough can save you from a last-minute disaster. Here’s what it is, why it matters, and what to look for before closing the deal.

🏠 What Is the Final Walkthrough?

The final walkthrough is your last chance — usually 24 to 72 hours before closing — to inspect the home and make sure everything is in the condition agreed upon in your contract. It’s not another full home inspection, but a practical check-in to confirm that:

• The home hasn’t been damaged since you last saw it

• Any agreed-upon repairs have been completed

• The seller has moved out (unless otherwise agreed)

• Nothing has been removed that was supposed to stay (like appliances, fixtures, etc.)

• No new issues have popped up (leaks, broken windows, HVAC issues, etc.)

⚠️ What Can Go Wrong If You Skip It?

You might be thinking, “We already did the inspection — why would anything change?” But you’d be surprised. Things can and do go wrong between contract and closing, especially if the home has sat vacant or if the seller was rushing to move out.

Here are some real examples I’ve seen in Central Illinois:

• A washer and dryer were removed, even though they were written into the contract

• A seller accidentally took the dining room chandelier — a major feature the buyer loved

• Movers broke a stair rail while hauling out furniture

• A leaking water heater that wasn’t leaking during the inspection

• Trash, chemicals, or junk left behind in the garage or crawlspace

Once the home closes and the title is transferred, these issues become the buyer’s problem. That means costly repairs, replacement hassles, or potential legal headaches — all of which could’ve been avoided with a 30-minute walkthrough.

✅ What to Bring to the Walkthrough

A great walkthrough is all about being prepared. Here’s what I recommend:

• Your purchase agreement: This helps verify what items were supposed to stay

• Repair receipts/invoices: If repairs were part of the negotiation, make sure they were actually completed

• Your phone: Take photos or video of any issues or discrepancies

• A notepad: Jot down anything you notice that feels off

• Me (your agent): I’ll be there with you to help spot problems, interpret the contract, and address concerns quickly

🔍 What to Look For

During the walkthrough, go room by room. Open every door. Flip every light switch. Turn on faucets. Run appliances (especially the stove, dishwasher, and HVAC). Here are a few specific areas not to miss:

• Check walls and ceilings for new cracks or stains

• Run water in every sink and tub — check for leaks under the cabinets

• Flush every toilet

• Test all light fixtures and ceiling fans

• Open and close windows and doors (do they stick?)

• Look in closets, basements, attics, and garages — make sure everything is empty

• Double-check appliances, blinds, shelving, or other agreed-upon inclusions

If anything looks off or wasn’t done properly, we can flag it before closing. Sometimes a simple fix or agreement can be made on the spot. In other cases, it may delay closing — but better to delay than be stuck with a costly surprise.

💬 What If You Find a Problem?

If something’s broken, missing, or not up to standard, we’ve got options. As your agent, I can help you:

• Contact the seller’s agent to address the issue

• Request a repair or monetary credit

• Delay closing until the issue is resolved

• Escrow funds (in rare cases) to handle post-closing repairs

The bottom line? If it’s something you would’ve raised during your home inspection, raise it during your walkthrough. This is your last line of defense before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

🎯 Final Thought: Don’t Let Excitement Cloud Your Judgment

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of moving — especially if this is your first home or you’re making a big life change. But don’t let that excitement cost you peace of mind.

Take the walkthrough seriously. Treat it like an insurance policy that protects your investment and ensures you’re walking into a home that’s move-in ready, just as promised.

And remember: you’re not doing this alone. I’m here to walk through it with you — literally.

📞 Real Estate? Call Duvall!

I’ve helped more than 1,000 buyers and sellers across Central Illinois get to the closing table with confidence. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or buying your very first home, I’ll make sure no detail gets overlooked.

Visit CallDuvall.com or call/text 309-200-5480 today to get started.