Fingers crossed
DC HOME BUYERS FINAL WALKTHROUGH

It's the last step before you go to settlement! You cross your fingers and perform the final walkthrough to verify that the home is in ‘substantially the same condition’ as the date of contract or inspection, that everything intended to convey is still in place and that the seller has not left unwanted items behind for you to dispose of at your expense. Ok, so is there a checklist for that? Yes, it's on this page!

THIS IS NOT AN INSPECTION
Your final walk through is not a home inspection performed by a professional home inspector. Hopefully you had one of those before or during the contract phase of the process,  along with a re-inspection if repairs were required prior to closing. A re-inspection performed within five days of settlement could be considered a final walk-through, especially if the home has been vacant, but it’s always safest to hold a walkthrough after the seller or occupant’s move out. 
SET ASIDE ENOUGH TIME FOR IT
Block out the time necessary to give the property a good going-over. Open and close windows and doors, make sure appliances are in working order, run water, flush toilets, turn lights on and off. Operate the HVAC system as weather permits. Check floors and walls for new damage. You’re looking for significant changes from the condition of the home since contract or inspection, not small cosmetics, but rushing through a walkthrough could lead to an unpleasant surprise when you return with the keys. Give yourself an hour to make a complete visual inspection.
SCHEDULING THE FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Since the implementation of TRID on October 3 2015, a final walk through should no longer be scheduled for the morning of settlement. It is recommended that buyers conduct their final walk through four to five business days prior to the settlement date. If there is an issue, this will give the seller time to correct without causing a reset of the regulated timetable for loan disclosure and settlement.
FINAL WALKTHROUGH TIPS
WHAT TO BRING

Bring your sales contract, addendum(s) and inspection reports for reference. You’ll also want to make notes on the appropriate sheets that you can refer to later, or complete a walk-through checklist as you proceed. Bring a camera (or cell phone cam) to document any issues.

REVIEW INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

Understand in advance which items are to be conveyed to you, and which are not.

WHAT TO VISUALLY INSPECT

Look at walls, flooring, ceilings, check the home’s exterior for any new damage or significant changes. Make sure the grounds have been cleared of any trash or debris. Don't forget the basement, crawl space, attic, garage/parking spaces and sheds or other out-buildings. Be alert for substituted items such as door handles, appliances, or any fixtures or finishes that contractually should have remained, but have been substituted with others.

SYSTEMS CHECKS

If possible, test heat and air conditioning, alarm or other included security systems, water and water-related fixtures, appliances, washer & dryer, lighting, windows, outdoor components, appliances, garage doors, gates, etc.

PRE-SETTLEMENT INSPECTIONS

As mentioned earlier, a pre-settlement inspection may be needed to confirm repairs contractually agreed to by the seller. Your inspector will return to the property for an additional fee to confirm the repairs were made properly, or cite omissions or faulty repairs and replacements. Depending on the significance of the repairs in question, buyers may want to bear this added expense, or forego it if the repair or replacement provides a warranty and can be easily seen/tested by the buyer at final walk-through.

ADDRESSING WALKTHROUGH ISSUES

It’s important to address any issues immediately. If contractually agreed-upon items are missing, debris or personal belongings have been left on the premises, if there are defects that should have been addressed by the seller and weren’t, don’t get upset. Instead, take action. There are standard ways in which to address final walk through issues. As your agents, we would guide you through that process.