If you’re buying a home in Minnesota, there’s a moment near the very end of the process where your agent will say:
👉 “We need to schedule your final walkthrough.”
And most buyers pause and think:
👉 “Wait… what exactly am I supposed to do during that?”
Because by this point, you’ve already gone through a lot.
You’ve:
- Found the home
- Negotiated the offer
- Completed the inspection
- Gone through appraisal
- Finalized your loan
So it feels like everything should already be locked in.
But the final walkthrough is still one of the most important steps.
And it’s often misunderstood.
You might be wondering:
• Is this just a quick formality?
• Can anything still go wrong this late?
• What should I actually be looking for?
• What happens if something isn’t right?
The truth is:
👉 The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to make sure everything is exactly how it should be before you officially own the home
And once you close…
👉 Anything you missed becomes your responsibility
So this step matters more than people think.
The Short Answer
👉 The final walkthrough happens right before closing (usually 24–48 hours before)
👉 It’s your chance to confirm:
• The home is in the same condition
• Agreed repairs are completed
• Nothing has been damaged or removed
• The home is ready for you
👉 It is NOT:
👉 A second inspection or a time to renegotiate everything
What the Final Walkthrough Actually Is
Let’s simplify this as much as possible.
👉 The final walkthrough is a verification step
You are confirming:
👉 “The home I’m about to buy is still the home I agreed to buy.”
That includes:
- Physical condition
- Repairs
- Fixtures and included items
- Cleanliness (to a reasonable level)
- Move-out status
It typically takes:
👉 20–45 minutes
And your real estate agent will guide you through it.
Why This Step Exists (And Why It’s Not Just a Formality)
A lot can change between the time your offer is accepted and the day you close.
Even in a smooth transaction, things can happen like:
- The seller damages something while moving out
- Repairs are done poorly—or not at all
- Appliances stop working
- Fixtures are removed that were supposed to stay
- The home is left in worse condition than expected
👉 Without the walkthrough, you may not catch these issues until AFTER closing
And at that point:
👉 It becomes your problem
That’s why this step exists.
What You Should Check During the Walkthrough
This is the part buyers want the most clarity on.
Let’s break it down into simple, practical steps.
✔️ 1. Overall Condition of the Home
Start by walking through the entire property slowly.
Ask yourself:
👉 Does this look the same as when I agreed to buy it?
Look for:
- New scratches or damage
- Holes in walls
- Damaged flooring
- Broken fixtures
👉 You’re not looking for perfection
👉 You’re looking for unexpected changes
✔️ 2. Repairs That Were Agreed Upon
If you negotiated repairs after the inspection:
👉 This is where you verify them
Common examples:
- Roof repair
- Plumbing fixes
- Electrical updates
- HVAC servicing
- Appliance replacement
👉 Don’t just assume they were done correctly
Actually check:
- Was it completed?
- Does it look properly fixed?
- Is there proof (receipts, invoices)?
✔️ 3. Test Major Systems
Turn things on.
Yes—literally test them.
Check:
- Light switches
- Faucets (hot and cold water)
- Toilets
- Heating and cooling
- Appliances
👉 You’re confirming everything still works
This step is often rushed—and it shouldn’t be.
✔️ 4. Items Included in the Contract
Your purchase agreement includes specific items.
Examples:
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Dishwasher
- Washer and dryer
- Light fixtures
👉 Make sure they are still there
This happens more often than you think:
👉 Sellers accidentally (or intentionally) take items that should stay
✔️ 5. Seller Move-Out Condition
If the home was supposed to be vacant:
👉 Confirm it’s empty
Also check:
- No leftover trash
- No unwanted furniture
- Garage and storage areas cleared
👉 The home should be reasonably clean and ready for you
What the Walkthrough Is NOT
Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding.
👉 The final walkthrough is NOT:
• A second home inspection
• A time to find new issues unrelated to the contract
• A chance to renegotiate everything
👉 It’s simply a final confirmation step
What Happens If Something Is Wrong
This is where buyers get nervous.
Let’s walk through realistic scenarios.
Scenario 1: Minor Issues
Examples:
- Small damage
- Dirty home
- Minor incomplete items
👉 Usually resolved with:
• A credit at closing
• Quick agreement
Scenario 2: Repairs Not Completed
If agreed repairs weren’t done:
👉 You have leverage
Options may include:
• Delay closing
• Request repair completion
• Request money back
Scenario 3: Major Problems
Examples:
- Water damage
- Broken systems
- Missing appliances
👉 This is serious
At this point:
👉 Your agent steps in to negotiate a solution BEFORE closing
👉 That’s the key
Once you close:
👉 Your leverage disappears
A Real Situation I See Often
A buyer walks into their final walkthrough and notices:
👉 The seller removed the washer and dryer
Even though it was included in the contract.
Without the walkthrough:
👉 That issue wouldn’t be discovered until after closing
Instead:
👉 We paused closing and resolved it immediately
That’s exactly why this step matters.
What Happens After the Walkthrough
If everything checks out:
👉 You move forward to closing
If something needs to be addressed:
👉 It gets resolved BEFORE you sign
👉 That’s your protection
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
❌ Rushing through the walkthrough
❌ Not testing anything
❌ Forgetting what was included in the contract
❌ Assuming everything is fine
👉 This step is simple—but not something to take lightly
Who This Step Matters Most For
The walkthrough is especially important for:
- First-time buyers
- Out-of-state buyers
- Buyers who negotiated repairs
- Buyers purchasing vacant homes
👉 It’s your final checkpoint
A Simple Way to Think About It
👉 The final walkthrough is your last line of defense
Before you go from:
👉 Buyer → Homeowner
FAQ: Final Walkthrough
When does the walkthrough happen?
Usually 24–48 hours before closing.
How long does it take?
Typically 20–45 minutes.
Do I need to bring anything?
Your contract and repair list are helpful.
Can I cancel the deal during walkthrough?
Only in certain situations—not for minor issues.
What if something is wrong?
Your agent will help resolve it before closing.
Final Thoughts
The final walkthrough might feel like a small step.
But it plays a big role.
It’s your last chance to make sure:
👉 Everything is exactly how it should be
Before you take ownership of the home.
And once you close:
👉 There’s no going back
Next Step
If you’re buying a home in Minnesota and want guidance through every step:
👉 https://buy.dreamhomesminnesota.com/
Lesley The Realtor is a real estate agent in Minnesota helping buyers navigate the home buying process with clarity, confidence, and no surprises at closing.