Final Walkthrough Checklist for Illinois Home Buyers (What to Check Before Closing)
The final walkthrough is your last look at the home before you own it. It usually happens within 24 to 48 hours of closing, and its job is simple: confirm the home is in the condition you agreed to buy. It is not a second inspection, and it is not a chance to renegotiate the price. If you are buying in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, or Plainfield, Illinois, here is what to check, what to bring, and what to do if something is wrong.
When the Final Walkthrough Happens
Most buyers schedule it one to two days before closing. Many lenders will not fund the loan until you are cleared to close, so the walkthrough often comes after that. We explained that step in our post on what clear to close means. Federal rules also require your lender to give you the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, so you should already know your numbers by the time you walk through.
Plan on 30 to 45 minutes. Do not rush it, and do not skip it, even if you are excited or the closing date is tight.
What to Check on Your Final Walkthrough
Bring your contract, your inspection report, and your list of agreed repairs. Then go room by room.
Agreed repairs. Check every item on the repair list. Ask for receipts or paperwork from the contractor if you can. Our post on what to ask for after a home inspection explains how those lists get built.
Systems. Turn on the heat and the air conditioning. Run the faucets and flush the toilets. Look under sinks for drips while the water runs. Flip light switches and test outlets with a phone charger.
Appliances. If they are staying, run the dishwasher, oven, and microwave. Check that the refrigerator is cold.
Items that stay. Make sure the light fixtures, window treatments, or anything else listed in your contract is still there.
Move-out damage. Look at floors, walls, and doors for new scrapes or dings. Movers cause more of these than you would think.
Windows and doors. Open and close them and check the locks.
Outside. Check the gutters, garage door, and yard. Look for anything that was not there at your last visit.
Left-behind items. The seller should be moved out and the home should be empty of their things, unless you agreed otherwise.
What the Walkthrough Is Not
This part trips up a lot of buyers. The walkthrough confirms the deal you already made. It is not the time to ask for a lower price because you decided you do not like the paint color. Your contract and your inspection period set the rules for that. If you are in the middle of an inspection period, see our post on contingencies in Illinois real estate.
It is also not a full inspection. Your inspector already did the deep check. You are looking for changes and unfinished work.
What If You Find a Problem?
Do not panic, and do not wait until the closing table. Tell us right away and we will bring in the attorneys. We recommend James F. White or Andrew Heap of Kuhn Heap. Tell them Team Elite sent you so they know to take great care of you. Depending on the problem, the usual fixes are:
The seller finishes the repair before closing. This is the cleanest answer for small items.
A credit at closing. The seller gives money to cover the fix. Some lenders limit credits, so check with yours first.
An escrow holdback. Money is held back from the seller's proceeds until the work is done.
A short delay in closing. For bigger issues, closing may need to move.
The earlier you spot it, the more options you have. We always say you should look at the home like you are the one writing the check, because you are.
New Construction Walkthroughs
Buying a new build? The walkthrough is usually with the builder's rep, and it often produces a punch list of small items like touch-up paint, trim, or adjustments. The builder typically finishes these after or before closing, depending on your contract. Get the list in writing. We covered more in our guide to buying new construction in Plainfield and Oswego.
How We Handle Walkthroughs
We're Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors, and we walk through with our buyers. We catch things first-time buyers regularly tell us they never would have noticed on their own. We're with Baird and Warner, which has been named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace 10 years running, and that culture of care shows up in how we close deals. Buying soon? Book a consultation. You can also read what clients say in our Google Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before closing is the final walkthrough? Usually 24 to 48 hours before. Some buyers do it the morning of closing. Ask us what makes sense for your timeline.
What if the seller did not finish the repairs? Tell us right away. Options include the seller completing the work, a credit, an escrow holdback, or a short delay in closing. Your attorney will help with the paperwork.
Can I back out after the final walkthrough? That depends on your contract and what you find. Minor issues usually get solved with repairs or credits. Talk to your attorney if you think the problem is serious (we recommend James F. White or Andrew Heap).
Is there a Realtor near me in Aurora or Oswego who will go to the walkthrough with me? Yes. We're Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner. Call us at 630-286-9777 or visit www.homesbyteamelite.com.
Getting close to closing? Set up alerts on Zenlist to keep an eye on the market, or reach out through our contact form with questions.
Ready to make your next move in the western suburbs of Chicago?
We are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring your options.
Julia Corkey & Vickie SchoenfeldTeam Elite Realtors at Baird & Warner
📞 630-286-9777 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.homesbyteamelite.com
Book a Consultation | Get Your Home Value | Search Homes on Zenlist
Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Licensed REALTORS® proudly serving Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, Plainfield and the Western Chicago Suburbs
