Written by Ashley Webber
Have you ever wondered what a pre-possession walkthrough is and why it matters? I learned early in my first year of real estate just how important this step can be. In my four years working in the industry, I’ve been involved in multiple situations where I was extremely grateful I completed a pre-possession walkthrough for my buyers. I’ve encountered furnaces not working in the middle of winter, washing machines leaking from the main floor into the basement, broken windows, and more. If these issues hadn’t been discovered before possession, my buyers would have been left dealing with the stress and cost of repairs themselves.
What Is a Pre-Possession Walkthrough?
A pre-possession walkthrough is a final visit to the property, typically completed the day before possession, where the buyer and their real estate agent confirm that the home is in substantially the same condition as when the offer was written and accepted. This walkthrough isn’t about looking for every tiny nick, scratch, or imperfection—it’s about ensuring there are no unexpected or costly surprises once the keys change hands.
Important Items to Check During a Pre-Possession Walkthrough
Major Damage or Changes
- Look for new damage to walls, doors, windows, or flooring
Plumbing & Water
- Turn on all faucets, showers, and toilets and check for leaks
Appliances
- Test oven, stovetop, dishwasher, washer, and dryer
- Confirm all included appliances are present and working
Heating & Cooling
- Test furnace or heating system (winter)
- Test air conditioning if applicable (summer)
- Confirm thermostats are functioning
Garage
- Open/close garage door and ensure remotes were left behind
Doors, Windows & Locks
- Open/close doors and windows
- Confirm locks work and keys/fobs/keypad codes are provided
Exterior (Season-Dependent)
- Walk around the yard and exterior structure
- Confirm included sheds or exterior items are present
Is a Pre-Possession Walkthrough Mandatory?
A pre-possession walkthrough is not considered a standard step in every transaction, and many real estate agents do not automatically include it as a term in their buyers’ offers. If a pre-possession walk through is not clearly written into the offer and agreed to by the seller, the seller is not obligated to grant access to the property prior to possession.
What a Pre-Possession Walkthrough Isn’t
There are a few things you may notice during a final walkthrough that aren’t ideal but typically aren’t actionable, such as the property not being cleaned to your personal standards or small nail or screw holes left from pictures or wall art. These are generally considered normal wear and tear and are to be expected (unless otherwise agreed to in the purchase agreement).
Why This Needs to Happen Before Possession Day
On possession day, the buyer’s lawyer sends the purchase funds to the seller’s lawyer. Once the funds are received, the keys are released and the buyer officially takes possession. After that point, it becomes extremely difficult to go back to the seller and request repairs or compensation. If a seller refuses to cooperate, the buyer may be left with legal action as their only option, which can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful.
By completing a pre-possession walkthrough before possession, buyers can identify any major issues or damage and bring them to the seller’s attention while there’s still time. At this stage, it’s reasonable for the buyer to request that the seller repair, replace, or account for anything that could cost the buyer money once they take possession.
Final Thoughts
A pre-possession walkthrough isn’t about being picky—it’s about protecting yourself. It ensures the home you’re buying is still the home you agreed to purchase. Including a pre-possession walkthrough term in your offer is a small step that can save you a major headache.