If you are asking, “What should I check on a final walkthrough in Clarksville TN?”, focus on four things: confirm agreed repairs are complete, verify the home and included items are still present, test major systems and appliances, and document anything that is not right before you sign closing documents.
Your final walkthrough is usually completed shortly before closing, often the day before or the same day. It is not a replacement for a home inspection. Instead, it is your last opportunity to confirm that the property is in the condition required by your purchase contract and repair agreements.
Written by Randy Whetsell
When Does the Final Walkthrough Happen in Clarksville?
In Clarksville and Montgomery County, buyers commonly complete the final walkthrough within 24 to 48 hours of closing. The exact timing depends on your contract, the seller’s move-out schedule, and the closing appointment.
Your agent should help coordinate access to the property. If the seller is still moving out or a repair contractor is finishing work, your walkthrough may need to be scheduled later so you can evaluate the home as close to closing as possible.
Bring these items with you:
- A copy of your purchase contract
- Any inspection response or repair addendum
- The list of seller-agreed repairs
- Your phone for photographs and video
- A flashlight
- A phone charger for testing outlets
- Notes about items included in the sale
Reviewing the contract matters because the walkthrough is based on what was agreed in writing: not on assumptions about what should remain in the home.
1. Confirm All Agreed Repairs
Start with the repair list from your inspection negotiations. Walk through the property methodically and verify that each item appears to be completed.
Look for:
- Repaired plumbing leaks
- Replaced or repaired fixtures
- Electrical repairs
- HVAC service or repairs
- Roof or gutter work
- Damaged flooring or drywall repairs
- Replacement windows or doors
- Pest treatment
- Agreed painting, caulking, or sealing
- Work completed by licensed contractors, if required by the agreement
Do not rely only on a seller’s statement that the work was completed. Look at the repair itself, ask for receipts or documentation when required, and compare the result with the language in your agreement.
For example, if the seller agreed to repair a leaking faucet, run the water and check underneath the cabinet. If the seller agreed to repair an outlet, test it. If an HVAC service was required, turn the system on and confirm that it responds.
2. Test Major Systems and Utilities
Make sure the utilities are on during the walkthrough. Without electricity, water, or gas service, you may not be able to identify problems before closing.
Heating and cooling
Turn on the heating and cooling system, depending on the season. Check that:
- The thermostat responds
- Air comes from the vents
- The system runs without unusual noises
- The temperature begins to change
- The outdoor unit operates, if applicable
You are not performing a mechanical inspection, but you should confirm that the system responds and appears to be operating normally.
Plumbing
Run water at every sink and test the hot and cold settings. Check:
- Water pressure
- Drainage
- Leaks beneath sinks
- Leaks around supply lines
- Water temperature
- Tub and shower operation
Flush every toilet and watch for slow filling, continuous running, leaks around the base, or other obvious problems. Fill tubs and sinks briefly, then drain them to check for backups.
Electrical
Turn on the lights throughout the home and test a selection of outlets. Pay special attention to outlets or switches included in the repair agreement.
Look for:
- Nonworking lights
- Missing or damaged cover plates
- Exposed wires
- Flickering fixtures
- Unusual odors
- Inaccessible or damaged breaker panels
Use a phone charger or small testing device rather than plugging in high-powered equipment.
Other systems
Depending on the property, also test:
- Garage door openers
- Garage safety sensors
- Doorbells
- Security systems
- Intercoms
- Exhaust fans
- Range hoods
- Garbage disposals
- Exterior lights
- Sprinkler systems, if included
3. Check Appliances, Fixtures, and Included Property
The final walkthrough is also your opportunity to confirm that items included in the purchase are still in the home and appear to work.
Check the condition and operation of:
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Oven and stovetop
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Washer and dryer, if included
- Ceiling fans
- Light fixtures
- Window treatments
- Built-in shelving
- Garage storage
- TV mounts
- Outdoor structures
- Playsets or other personal property listed in the contract
You do not need to run every appliance for an extended period. A brief operational test can reveal whether a refrigerator is cooling, a dishwasher starts, an oven heats, or a washer fills.
If an item was specifically included in the contract but is missing, photograph the location and contact your agent before proceeding.
4. Look for New Damage
The home should generally be in the condition required by the contract, subject to ordinary wear and the terms you agreed to. Compare the property with your previous visits.
Look for new damage such as:
- Scratches in hardwood flooring
- Stains or tears in carpet
- Damaged walls or trim
- Broken windows
- Missing doors or hardware
- Water stains
- Damaged countertops
- Removed light fixtures
- Furniture-related damage
- Damage caused during the seller’s move
Pay particular attention to areas that were previously covered by furniture, rugs, wall art, or stored belongings. Check closets, garages, attics, crawl spaces, and storage areas for damage or abandoned items.
5. Confirm the Home Is Clean and Vacant as Agreed
Unless your contract provides otherwise, the seller should remove personal belongings and trash before possession is transferred.
Check the:
- Garage
- Attic
- Crawl space
- Basement
- Cabinets
- Closets
- Yard
- Storage sheds
- Exterior areas
The property should generally be left broom clean or in the condition specified in your agreement. Construction debris, unwanted furniture, household trash, and leftover materials should not be ignored simply because they are outside the main living area.
If the seller has negotiated post-closing occupancy or additional time to remove belongings, compare what you see with the written agreement. A home that is still occupied may not be required to be completely vacant at your walkthrough.
6. Inspect Doors, Windows, Walls, and Floors
Open and close the main doors, interior doors, and as many windows as practical. Confirm that they latch, lock, and operate as expected.
Check for:
- Broken glass
- Missing screens
- Sticking windows
- Damaged locks
- New cracks
- Holes in walls
- Ceiling stains
- Soft flooring
- Damaged baseboards
- Missing blinds or curtains
You do not need to treat the walkthrough as a second full inspection. Your goal is to identify material changes, incomplete repairs, or obvious defects that developed after the inspection.
7. Check the Exterior and Yard
Walk around the exterior of the property and compare it with your previous visit.
Look at:
- Siding, brick, or exterior trim
- Gutters and downspouts
- Decks, steps, and railings
- Fences and gates
- Driveways and walkways
- Landscaping and included plants
- Exterior fixtures
- Sheds and outbuildings
- Visible roof damage from ground level
- Signs of new water intrusion
Do not climb onto the roof or enter unsafe areas. If you see a serious concern, document it and ask your agent how it should be addressed.
What Should You Document During the Walkthrough?
Take clear photographs and notes of anything that is incomplete, missing, damaged, or different from the contract.
Your documentation should include:
- Wide photographs showing the location
- Close-up photographs showing the condition
- The date and time
- A written description of the issue
- The relevant repair or contract requirement
- Any receipts, labels, or contractor information available
Send the information to your buyer’s agent promptly. Avoid relying on verbal promises made at the property. Any agreement to repair, credit, delay closing, hold funds, or change possession terms should be documented in writing by the appropriate parties.
What If You Find a Problem Before Closing?
Do not sign closing documents and assume the issue will be resolved later. Tell your agent immediately and contact the closing professional when appropriate.
Possible solutions may include:
- Completing the repair before closing
- Negotiating a seller credit
- Establishing a written repair escrow
- Delaying closing
- Creating a written agreement for post-closing work
- Adjusting possession terms
- Terminating the contract if your contract allows and the issue is significant
The correct option depends on the contract, the seriousness of the issue, lender requirements, and the agreement reached by the parties. Your agent can help communicate the problem, but your closing attorney, title company, lender, or qualified attorney may need to address specific legal or funding questions.
Review Haus’s guide to what happens on closing day in Clarksville TN so you know how the walkthrough fits into signing, funding, recording, and receiving possession.
You may also want to review:
- Closing costs when buying a home in Clarksville TN
- Tennessee real estate contract terms and contingencies
Final Walkthrough Checklist
Before you leave the property, confirm that:
- Agreed repairs are complete
- No significant new damage is visible
- Utilities and major systems are operating
- Included appliances and fixtures remain
- Seller belongings and debris are removed as agreed
- Doors and windows operate
- Plumbing fixtures drain without obvious leaks
- The HVAC system responds
- Garage doors and remotes work
- Keys, codes, and access devices are available
- The yard, outbuildings, and included property are present
- Any concerns have been photographed and reported
A careful final walkthrough can help you avoid preventable surprises after closing. If you are buying in Clarksville or Montgomery County and want experienced guidance from contract to keys, contact Haus Realty & Management to discuss your home-buying goals.
For additional consumer guidance about reviewing closing documents, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Closing Disclosure information is a useful official resource.
This article provides general educational information and is not legal, inspection, lending, or financial advice. Your rights and obligations depend on your purchase contract, addenda, deadlines, and transaction-specific circumstances. Consult your real estate professional, lender, closing professional, inspector, or qualified attorney with questions about your purchase.
