What is the purpose of a final walk-through in real estate?

The purpose of a final walk-through in real estate is primarily to inspect the home for any issues that may need correction before the closing of the transaction. This step serves as an opportunity for the buyer to ensure that the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that any repairs requested during the negotiation process have been completed. It also allows the buyer to confirm that no new damage has occurred since the last time they viewed the property.

During this final inspection, buyers often check critical areas such as plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances to ensure they are functioning properly and align with the terms agreed upon in the purchase agreement. If issues are discovered during this walk-through, the buyer can address them with the seller before the closing, ensuring that the home is in satisfactory condition before officially taking ownership.

Other alternatives like negotiating the final price, meeting previous owners, or reviewing mortgage documents do not capture the main intent of the final walk-through, which is focused on condition confirmation rather than transaction terms or document preparation.