The final walkthrough is one of the last steps before closing on your new Oahu home, and it is not the time to make costly mistakes. Many buyers treat this step casually, but the final walkthrough serves a critical purpose: confirming that the property is in the agreed-upon condition before you sign on the dotted line.

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make during the final walkthrough is bringing along a large group of friends and family. While it is tempting to show off your new home, this is a business inspection, not a housewarming party. Too many people can distract you from carefully checking every detail, and you may miss important issues that need to be addressed before closing.

Do not skip testing all the major systems and appliances. Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, test the air conditioning and heating, open and close all windows and doors, and run every appliance that is included in the sale. In Hawaii, salt air and humidity can cause issues that may not be immediately visible, so thorough testing is essential.

Avoid making the walkthrough too quick. Some buyers rush through in fifteen minutes, but a proper final walkthrough should take at least forty-five minutes to an hour for a typical home. Take your time to check every room, closet, and outdoor area. Look at the ceilings, walls, and floors carefully for any new damage that may have occurred since your last visit.

Never assume that previously agreed-upon repairs have been completed correctly. Bring your inspection report and repair addendum with you, and verify each item one by one. Ask for receipts or invoices for any professional repairs that were promised. In Hawaii real estate transactions, repair agreements are legally binding, so make sure everything has been done as specified.

Do not ignore the exterior and any outdoor spaces. Check the yard, lanai, carport or garage, and any storage areas. Make sure all personal property that should have been removed is gone, and that any items included in the sale are still present. Hawaii homes often have outdoor showers, water features, or garden structures that should be inspected.

Resist the urge to start planning renovations or decorating during the walkthrough. Stay focused on the task at hand, which is verifying the condition of the property. There will be plenty of time for creative planning after you have the keys in hand.

If you discover any issues during the final walkthrough, do not panic, but also do not ignore them. Document everything with photos and videos, and communicate immediately with your agent. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to negotiate a credit, delay closing, or request immediate repairs.

At Kristy and Austin Home Group, we guide our buyers through every step of the closing process, including a thorough final walkthrough. Our experience in the Oahu market means we know exactly what to look for and how to protect your interests. Contact us today to ensure your home purchase goes smoothly from start to finish.