Final Walkthrough Checklist for San Diego Home Buyers
The final walkthrough is your last look at the home before you sign, and its job is to confirm that agreed repairs are finished, that items the seller agreed to leave are still there and that the home is in the condition you expected. The CFPB says that if something is not right, you should contact the seller immediately to discuss it.
The short answer
- Check that repairs you and the seller agreed on are finished.
- Check that items the seller agreed to leave are in place.
- Your Closing Disclosure must reach you at least three business days before closing, so review it before the walkthrough.
- You are not committed until you sign. Do not sign blank documents or ones that differ from your deal.
When and why to do it
A walkthrough usually takes place shortly before closing. It is not a second inspection. It is a check against your contract, the repair agreement and what you saw when you made your offer. The CFPB's closing page lists two things to confirm: that agreed repairs are completed, and that any items the seller agreed to leave are in the home.
What to bring
- Your purchase contract and any repair agreement or amendments.
- Your inspection report, so you can match each repair to the item.
- Receipts or invoices the seller provides for completed work.
- A phone for photos and a flashlight.
- A phone charger, to test outlets.
If your agent is with you, split up the list so nothing is missed. My guide to negotiating after a home inspection explains how repair agreements get written.
The checklist
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Agreed repairs | Each item is done, looks complete and has a receipt or sign-off if the seller has one |
| Included items | Appliances, fixtures and anything else listed in the contract are still there |
| Water and plumbing | Run faucets and showers, flush toilets, look under sinks for leaks |
| Electrical | Test outlets and switches, and press the test button on GFCI outlets |
| Heating and cooling | Turn on the system and check that it runs |
| Appliances | Run the oven, dishwasher, disposal and any other included appliances |
| Doors and windows | Open, close and lock them, and check the garage door opener |
| Condition | Look for new damage since your inspection, such as holes, stains or broken fixtures |
| Move-out condition | Confirm the home is empty or cleared as the contract says, with no trash left behind |
| Keys and remotes | Ask about garage remotes, mailbox keys and any access codes |
If something is wrong
The CFPB says to contact the seller immediately to discuss it. In practice, tell your agent right away, take photos and write down exactly what is missing or broken. Your agent can contact the seller's side, and your options depend on your contract, so do not wait until the signing table. Items you may be able to resolve include finishing a repair, a credit at closing or holding funds in escrow. What is possible depends on what the other side agrees to, and I am not an attorney, so ask one about contract rights.
The CFPB also notes that you can walk away at closing, but you might lose your deposit, application fees or appraisal fees, and breaking the purchase contract could have other consequences. See earnest money deposits in San Diego before you make that call.
Review your closing documents
The CFPB says you can take your time reviewing all closing documents and should confirm that the information matches what you expected. If it looks different from what you were told or from earlier documents, ask questions. Direct questions about the sale to your agent or settlement agent and questions about your loan to your lender. If you receive a new Closing Disclosure because something important about your loan changed, the law may require a full three business days to review it before closing in limited circumstances.
Do not sign anything until you are satisfied, and do not sign blank documents or ones that differ from the deal you agreed to. For the rest of the closing math, see my closing costs guide, and for the full timeline see the steps to buy a home in San Diego.
What this guide cannot promise
A walkthrough cannot find hidden defects, and it does not replace an inspection. Your rights depend on your contract. Ask your agent and, for legal questions, an attorney.
My advice for San Diego buyers
- Schedule the walkthrough as close to closing as your contract allows.
- Bring the repair agreement and match each item.
- Test everything that plugs in, turns on or opens.
- Photograph any problem and call your agent right away.
- Review your Closing Disclosure before you sign anything.
A note on advice
I am a REALTOR®, not a lender, attorney, tax professional or financial advisor, so this guide is general information. Your lender can tell you what you qualify for, and a CPA or attorney can answer tax and legal questions.
Call or text me at (619) 402-4614 or send me a message.
Call or text (619) 402-4614Contact Trevor LandressRelated guides
- Title Insurance and Escrow for San Diego Buyers: What Each One Does and Who Pays
- Down Payment Assistance Programs for San Diego Buyers: What Exists and Who Qualifies
- Adjustable-Rate vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgages in San Diego: How Each One Works
- How to Read a Home Inspection Report in San Diego Without Panicking
- Home Buying Contingencies in San Diego Explained
- Earnest Money Deposits in San Diego
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the final walkthrough?
The CFPB lists two checks: that repairs you and the seller agreed on are finished, and that items the seller agreed to leave are in place.
What if repairs are not done?
The CFPB says to contact the seller immediately to discuss it. Tell your agent right away and take photos.
Can I back out at closing?
You are not committed until you sign, but the CFPB warns you might lose your deposit, application fees or appraisal fees, and breaking the contract could have other consequences.
Should I review my Closing Disclosure before the walkthrough?
Yes. It must reach you at least three business days before closing, and you should confirm it matches what you expected.
Should I sign if something looks different?
No. The CFPB says not to sign anything until you are satisfied, and not to sign blank documents or ones that differ from the deal you agreed to.
About the author
Trevor Landress is a San Diego REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West (DRE# 02126901). He was born and raised in San Diego and has been licensed since 2021.
Trevor helps homeowners sell, guides first-time buyers through the home buying process and assists investors with their next acquisition. His work includes negotiating offers, analyzing market trends, building pricing strategies and running marketing campaigns for his listings.
He serves clients across San Diego County, from coastal communities like La Jolla, Del Mar and Carlsbad to neighborhoods inland.
Trevor is part of the Campbell Group, a three-generation real estate team, and he and the Campbell Group consistently rank as a top producing team at Coldwell Banker West each month. He writes these guides to help San Diego buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing market. To talk through your plans, call or text (619) 402-4614 or contact Trevor Landress.
How I help San Diego home buyers
I help buyers sort out their budget, understand their loan options with a lender, search for homes, write and negotiate offers, keep track of inspection and contingency deadlines and stay organized through closing.
How I help San Diego home sellers
I help sellers price their home, prepare it for the market, market it to buyers, review and negotiate offers and manage the steps from an accepted offer to closing.
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