Final Walk Through Tips

Why A Final Walk-Through Is Crucial Before Taking Possession of Your Edmonton Home

Buying a home in Edmonton is a monumental step, one that comes with equal parts excitement and responsibility. Once you’ve selected your dream home, the offer is signed, and the paperwork is finalized, it might feel like the hard part is over. However, one crucial step remains—the final walk-through. This often-overlooked process can save homebuyers from unexpected surprises and ensure a smooth transition into their new space.

We will guide you through the importance of conducting a thorough final walk-through, share real-life stories, and provide essential tips for a stress-free experience.

The Value of a Final Walk-Through Before Buying Your Home

At its core, a final walk-through is your opportunity to ensure the home is in the agreed-upon condition before you take possession. It’s not just about making sure the house is clean; it’s about ensuring that all negotiated repairs are completed and that the home’s systems, fixtures, and appliances are functioning as promised. Now you may not need to use a magnifying glass, but be sure to check things thoroughly to ensure everything is working. We go into that more below.

For first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners alike, skipping this step could mean inheriting unexpected problems. From minor issues like lightbulbs being switched, to larger concerns like broken appliances, a final walk-through helps set the tone—instead of tainting your moving day with hidden disappointments.

Real-Life Experience: Discovering What Was Promised vs. Reality

Sometimes, real-life examples speak louder than advice. A local real estate agent shared a story about one of their clients, a couple purchasing their first home in Edmonton. During early negotiations, the sellers had agreed to replace a faulty fridge. The appliance was noted in the agreement, but the couple arrived for their final check only to find the old fridge still there—damaged and unusable.

Without the final walk-through, this issue could have easily fallen through the cracks, leaving the buyers stuck covering the repair costs themselves. Instead, they flagged the problem and ensured it was addressed before closing.

The moral of the story? That last walkthrough isn’t just an afterthought—it’s your final chance to confirm everything is as it should be.

What’s On Your Final Walk-Through Checklist?

Walking through your new home without a solid plan is a recipe for missing critical details. A comprehensive checklist can help you stay focused and cover all the essentials. Here’s what you need to look for:

• Check Repairs: Were all requested repairs completed as per the agreement? Ask for invoices or documentation, if necessary.
• Inspect Appliances: Test appliances (oven, stove, dishwasher, etc.) to confirm they are working.
• Utilities: Check that water, electricity, and HVAC systems are operational. Test faucets, flush toilets, and verify that hot water is available.
• Windows and Doors: Confirm that windows properly open/close and all door locks work (including the garage!).
• Walls and Floors: Look for damage that wasn’t there during earlier visits—such as scratches, stains, or holes in the walls.

This methodical approach ensures peace of mind during what can otherwise be a chaotic process.

Final Walk-Throughs Ensure Repairs Are Complete

Have you already negotiated repairs or upgrades during the sale process? The final walk-through is the moment to confirm that work was completed as promised. Sellers are required to fulfill agreed-upon conditions, and you have the right to make sure those promises are kept before signing on the dotted line.

Look out for both major repairs (e.g., roof patching or electrical fixes) and smaller tasks (e.g., touch-up paint on walls). Don’t hesitate to ask your real estate agent to flag anything that was missed—it can be addressed before you take possession.

The Most Overlooked Spots in Your New Home

Some areas of the home are easy to overlook during walk-throughs, especially spots that aren’t in your direct line of sight. Make sure to inspect places such as the attic, crawl spaces, or under-sink plumbing.

For example, you might find leaks under the bathroom vanity or evidence of pests in the attic. While these areas may not seem “urgent” before moving in, catches like these can save you a headache later.

Don’t Forget About Missing or Swapped Fixtures

Believe it or not, fixtures like light fittings, curtains, or even doorknobs can sometimes go missing. While most sellers are honest, there have been instances where buyers discover that expensive fixtures have been swapped with cheaper versions.

Cross-check the home’s condition against the agreed-upon inventory list. This ensures that everything from appliances to fixtures remains part of the deal.

Managing Expectations (Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff)

It’s important to remember that a final walk-through doesn’t mean walking into a home that looks absolutely flawless. Minor imperfections like spots on windows or a few scuff marks on the floor should be expected. These are often resolved with a deep clean after you move in.

Instead, focus on more serious issues that affect the home’s functionality.

5 Tips for Preparing for Your Final Walk-Through

Preparation is key for a successful walk-through. Here's what to keep in mind before you head out with your checklist in hand:

1. Schedule it close to possession day—ideally the day before.
2. Bring your purchase agreement and inspection report for reference.
3. Test everything—from light switches to kitchen faucets.
4. Bring a phone for photos/videos if something needs documenting.
5. Ask your agent to join you for a second pair of eyes and expert insight.

By staying organized and thorough, you’ll ensure that no surprises await on your first night in your new home.

Need Expert Advice? Contact MaxWell Polaris

Conducting a final walk-through can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. That’s why the MaxWell Polaris real estate team is here to help make the process seamless. With deep experience in the Edmonton market, we provide expert guidance and support to ensure your home-buying experience is nothing short of excellent.

Looking for personalized advice or assistance? Contact our team today to ensure every detail is covered.