The Walk-Through That Almost Went Wrong
Matt Cheney recently shared a moment from a closing that stuck with him: during the final walk-through, he and his client found a snake inside the home. It is an unusual example, but Matt Cheney uses it to make a simple point. Better to find something unexpected before signing the papers than after moving in.
What the Final Walk-Through Is Actually For
Matt Cheney explains that the final walk-through is not a formality buyers can skip once a contract is signed. It is the last chance, typically within a day or two of closing, to confirm three things: the home is in the same condition it was in when the buyer first saw it, the home has been completely emptied of the seller’s belongings, and all appliances and fixtures included in the contract are still in place.
Why Skipping It Is a Risk Buyers Do Not Need to Take
Once closing happens, addressing a problem in the home becomes far more complicated. Matt Cheney points out that the walk-through exists precisely to catch issues while there is still time and leverage to resolve them before funds change hands. That can mean anything from a missing appliance to damage that occurred after the initial showing, to, in this case, something as unexpected as an animal that got into the house. Each of these is easier to address before closing than after.
How Matt Cheney Approaches Every Walk-Through
Matt Cheney attends walk-throughs with clients and works through a consistent checklist: comparing the home’s current condition to the condition at the time of the offer, confirming the home is empty and broom-clean as agreed, testing appliances and fixtures included in the sale, and flagging anything unexpected for the closing team before it becomes a bigger issue. The goal is the same for every walk-through: giving buyers full confidence in what they are receiving before they sign.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Final Walk-Through
When does the final walk-through usually happen?
It typically happens the day of closing but can be done a day or two before closing, once the seller has moved out and the home is ready to be handed over.
What should buyers specifically check during a final walk-through?
Buyers should confirm the home matches the condition it was in when they first saw it, verify the home has been fully emptied, and test that all appliances and fixtures included in the contract are present and working.
What happens if a buyer finds a problem during the walk-through?
Depending on the facts and the contract terms, issues found during the walk-through are typically addressed with the seller before closing. Buyers should work with their agent to resolve any concerns before signing. Contact Matt directly for a current market analysis and recent sales data in your neighborhood.
Never skip the final walk-through. Matt Cheney attends every one with his clients to confirm a home is exactly as expected before closing day.
Watch Matt Cheney share this story from a recent walk-through in the original video.
Ready to buy in the DC area? Contact Matt directly for a current market analysis and recent sales data in your neighborhood.
About Matt Cheney
Matt Cheney is a top-producing real estate advisor with Compass in Washington, DC, guiding buyers and sellers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia through high-stakes moves, from luxury sales to estate settlements, downsizing, and divorce-related transactions. With over $780 million in career sales volume and 23 years of experience, Matt is ranked in the Top 1.5% of agents nationally by RealTrends America’s Best. He is known for calm, strategic guidance and a straightforward approach to complex and sensitive real estate situations.
Matt Cheney | Compass Real Estate is committed to the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All real estate services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Real estate considerations related to divorce or estate matters involve legal and financial complexities. Consult a qualified attorney and financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.