Final Walkthrough Checklist for Twin Cities Homebuyers

What should you check during a final walkthrough before closing?

The final walkthrough is one of the last steps before you get the keys. It is exciting, but it is also your chance to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to when you wrote the offer.

Many buyers assume this step is just a quick visit. In reality, it is an important checkpoint. A careful walkthrough can help you catch missing repairs, leftover items, damage from the seller’s move-out, or issues that were not there during showings.

This guide gives you a simple final walkthrough checklist for Twin Cities homebuyers so you know what to look for, what to bring, and what to do if something feels off.

Key Takeaways

• A final walkthrough is your chance to confirm the home’s condition before closing.
  
  
• You should check agreed repairs, included appliances, fixtures, and basic systems.
  
  
• Bring your inspection report, purchase agreement, and phone charger for testing outlets.
  
  
• Look for new damage, missing items, and anything the seller was supposed to leave behind.
  
  
• In Minnesota, timing matters because weather, moving conditions, and seasonal systems can affect what you notice.
  
  

What is a final walkthrough in Minnesota real estate?

A final walkthrough usually happens shortly before closing, often within 24 to 48 hours. The goal is not to do a brand-new inspection. The goal is to confirm that:

• the home looks substantially the same as when you agreed to buy it
  
  
• any negotiated repairs are completed
  
  
• included items are still there
  
  
• the seller has moved out as expected, unless your agreement says otherwise
  
  

This step matters because the house should match the terms of your purchase agreement on closing day.

What should you bring to the final walkthrough?

Bring a few items so you can move through the home with purpose:

• your purchase agreement
  
  
• any repair amendment or inspection response
  
  
• your home inspection report
  
  
• your phone for photos and video
  
  
• a phone charger to test outlets
  
  
• a notepad or checklist
  
  
• your agent should be at this appointment with you
  
  

Your inspection report is especially helpful. It reminds you which issues were already present and which repairs the seller agreed to make.

What should you check in every room before closing?

Start with a slow walk through the entire property. Look at the home with fresh eyes and compare it to how it looked when you wrote the offer.

Check for:

• new wall damage, dents, or large nail holes
  
  
• missing light fixtures, mirrors, or hardware
  
  
• windows that are cracked or no longer open properly
  
  
• doors that stick, do not latch, or appear damaged
  
  
• flooring damage from furniture moving
  
  
• trash, unwanted furniture, or debris left behind
  
  

This is also a good time to make sure the home is reasonably clean and empty if the seller agreed to vacate before closing.

How do you confirm the seller completed agreed repairs?

If the seller agreed to fix specific items after the inspection, verify those repairs as closely as possible.

Look for:

• receipts or invoices, if those were promised
  
  
• visible signs the work was actually completed
  
  
• improved function of the repaired item
  
  
• no new damage around the repair area
  
  

Examples might include a plumbing leak that was fixed, a window latch replaced, or an appliance issue corrected. If a repair was supposed to be done by a licensed contractor, your agent can help confirm whether the documentation matches what was agreed.

Which appliances and systems should you test?

You do not need to run a full inspection again, but you should test the basics.

Turn on and check:

• kitchen appliances
  
  
• washer and dryer, if included
  
  
• faucets and sinks
  
  
• toilets for flushing and leaks
  
  
• shower water pressure and drainage
  
  
• lights and light switches
  
  
• garage door opener
  
  
• furnace and air conditioning, if weather and system conditions allow
  
  
• exhaust fans
  
  
• sump pump area, if accessible
  
  
• doorbell and built-in items included with the sale
  
  

You are looking for obvious non-working items, missing components, or signs something changed after the inspection.

What items should stay with the house?

One common walkthrough issue is missing property. The seller may accidentally take something that was meant to stay.

Check that included items are still there, such as:

• refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave
  
  
• washer and dryer
  
  
• window treatments
  
  
• mounted televisions only if specifically included
  
  
• garage remotes
  
  
• mailbox keys
  
  
• shelving or fixtures named in the agreement
  
  

If it is attached or specifically listed in the contract, it should usually still be there.

What red flags should Twin Cities buyers watch for?

Some walkthrough problems are small. Others can delay closing or require a last-minute agreement.

Watch for:

• seller has not fully moved out
  
  
• repair work is incomplete
  
  
• appliances are missing
  
  
• new water stains or leaks
  
  
• utility shutoff causing systems not to work
  
  
• damage from moving furniture out
  
  
• excessive trash or personal property left behind
  
  

Take photos of anything concerning. Small issues can often be resolved quickly when documented clearly.

What happens if you find a problem during the final walkthrough?

Do not panic, and do not assume you have to handle it alone. Let your real estate agent know right away.

Depending on the issue, possible solutions may include:

• seller fixes the problem before closing
  
  
• money is held back in escrow for repair or cleanup
  
  
• seller credits the buyer, if both sides agree
  
  
• closing is delayed until the issue is resolved
  
  

The right solution depends on the seriousness of the problem and the terms of the contract.

How is a final walkthrough different in the Twin Cities?

Twin Cities buyers often deal with seasonal conditions that can affect what shows up during a walkthrough.

For example:

• In winter, check for tracked-in water, ice-related exterior issues, garage condition, and heating performance.
  
  
• In spring, pay closer attention to sump pump areas, grading, and signs of moisture.
  
  
• In summer, confirm air conditioning is cooling properly and look for storm-related exterior damage.
  
  
• In fall, check gutters, drafts around doors and windows, and furnace function before colder weather arrives.
  
  

Many Minnesota homes also have basements, utility rooms, and attached garages that deserve extra attention. These spaces can reveal moisture issues, freezing-related wear, or move-out damage that is easy to miss if you rush.

Local Angle: Why walkthroughs matter in Minnesota

In the Twin Cities, final walkthroughs are especially important because homes often experience strong seasonal swings. A property can look very different at closing than it did during your first showing.

Snow, freezing temperatures, spring thaw, and summer storms can all affect a home’s condition. Older housing stock across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and many first-ring suburbs can also mean more systems, fixtures, and details worth checking carefully.

That does not mean you should feel nervous. It simply means you should show up prepared, move slowly, and make sure the home you are buying is the home you expect to receive.

Related Reading

• Step-By-Step Timeline for Buying a Home
  
  
• Standard Home Inspections in Minnesota: What to Expect
  
  
• Confident Buyer Blueprint: A Smarter Way to Buy a Home
  
  
• What to Expect at Closing When Buying a Home in Minnesota
  
  

Need help before closing?

A final walkthrough should give you peace of mind, not added stress. When you know what to check, you can head to closing with more confidence and fewer surprises.

If you have questions about buying a home in Minnesota or want guidance on the steps before closing, First Choice Realty Solutions is here to help. A simple next step is to reach out for a home buying strategy conversation so you know what to expect from offer to closing.