What Should Chicago Homebuyers Check During the Final Walkthrough Before Closing?

CHICAGO— You've found your home, negotiated the purchase and made it through inspections and mortgage approval. Now there's one important step before closing: the final walkthrough.

The final walkthrough is your opportunity to confirm that the property is still in the agreed-upon condition, that the seller completed any promised repairs and that everything included in the purchase remains in place.

For buyers purchasing a Chicago condo or a single-family home in the suburbs, this last visit can help identify unexpected problems before ownership changes hands.

Here's what to check, when to schedule your walkthrough and what to do if something isn't right.

When Does the Final Walkthrough Happen in Chicago?

Most Chicago-area buyers schedule their final walkthrough within 24 to 48 hours before closing, sometimes on the morning of closing itself.

Ideally, the seller has already moved out so you can see the property without furniture covering walls, floors or other potential problems.

The walkthrough is different from a home inspection.

A professional inspection evaluates the property's condition in greater detail, while the final walkthrough focuses on confirming that the home matches the purchase agreement.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends completing a final walkthrough before signing closing documents, specifically checking agreed-upon repairs and items the seller promised to leave.

In Chicago-area transactions using the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 8.0, buyers generally have the right to inspect the property before possession to confirm it remains in substantially the same condition as when the offer was accepted, allowing for normal wear and tear.

However, your signed purchase contract controls your specific rights and obligations.

Chicago Homebuyer Final Walkthrough Checklist

Bring this checklist to your final walkthrough, along with your purchase contract, inspection report, repair agreements and a phone for taking photos.

Property Condition and Repairs

Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Systems

Appliances, Windows and Doors

Walkthrough tip: Don't rush through the property. Test the items you can safely operate and photograph anything that looks different from your previous visits.

Buying a Chicago Condo? Check These Additional Items

For buyers purchasing condos in South Loop, University Village, University Commons, West Loop or River North, the final walkthrough should cover more than the interior of the unit.

Condominium ownership often includes parking, storage and access to shared facilities, making it important to confirm exactly what is included in the purchase.

Chicago Condo Walkthrough Checklist

• Parking: Verify the correct garage space or assigned parking location, if included.

• Storage: Confirm the designated storage locker or space is accessible and matches the agreement.

• Balcony or terrace: Look for new damage, drainage problems or missing fixtures.

• Heating and cooling: Test the unit's individual controls and applicable HVAC equipment.

• Building access: Confirm arrangements for entrance fobs, mailbox keys, garage remotes and amenity access.

• Move-in arrangements: Check the building's elevator reservation procedures, move-in fees and scheduling requirements.

Buyers should also make sure they have reviewed the condominium association's required disclosures, including financial information, insurance and any applicable special assessments.

Under Section 22.1 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, resale buyers may request specific association documents and financial information.

That document review is a separate part of due diligence, not something the final physical walkthrough replaces.

Important: If your condo purchase includes deeded parking or storage, confirm those ownership details with your attorney and closing documents. Seeing a numbered parking space does not establish that it is legally included in the sale.

Buying a Detached Home? Don't Forget the Exterior

For buyers purchasing single-family homes in Elmhurst, Naperville, Wheaton, Lombard or other Chicago suburbs, the walkthrough should include the exterior and other areas that condo buyers may not be individually responsible for maintaining.

Detached Home Walkthrough Checklist

• Roof and gutters: Look from the ground for visible new damage, missing materials or drainage problems.

• Basement: Check for standing water, new moisture or evidence of leaks.

• Garage: Test the garage door and confirm included remotes and equipment.

• Yard and landscaping: Check for new damage, fallen branches or debris that should have been removed.

• Exterior plumbing: Inspect accessible outdoor faucets and look for visible leaks.

• Attic and mechanical areas: Check accessible spaces for new concerns, without attempting unsafe entry or testing.

During November and December, Chicago-area buyers should pay particular attention to heating systems, plumbing and signs of water intrusion.

If snow, freezing temperatures or other weather conditions prevent certain checks, document those limitations and discuss any concerns with your agent and attorney.

For newly constructed homes, the final walkthrough may also involve reviewing a builder's punch list and verifying that agreed-upon work has been completed.

What Happens If You Find a Problem Before Closing?

Finding something wrong during your final walkthrough doesn't automatically mean the purchase has to fall apart.

However, significant problems should be addressed before you sign the closing documents.

For example, imagine you're purchasing a South Loop condo and discover that the seller removed an appliance that was supposed to remain.

Or perhaps you're buying a home in Elmhurst and find new water damage in the basement following heavy rain.

In either situation:

1. Document the problem. Take photos, videos and notes describing what you found.

2. Contact your real estate agent. Explain what changed or what remains incomplete.

3. Notify your real estate attorney. Have your attorney review the purchase agreement and determine your options.

4. Discuss a resolution before closing. Depending on the contract and circumstances, the parties might agree to repairs, a seller credit, an escrow arrangement or a delayed closing.

The CFPB notes that seller credits may sometimes be used when agreed-upon repairs remain unfinished.

However, buyers should not assume they can demand new repairs, automatically delay closing or cancel the purchase without consequences. Those rights depend on the contract and applicable law.

The goal of the walkthrough is to confirm the existing agreement has been satisfied, not to reopen every issue identified during the original home inspection.

Make Your Final Walkthrough Count Before Closing Day

The final walkthrough may be one of the shortest steps in buying a home, but it's an important opportunity to confirm that everything is ready for the ownership transfer.

For first-time buyers, arriving with a checklist and knowing which items to verify can make the process more manageable.

For condo buyers, pay attention to parking, storage, building access and agreed-upon fixtures. For single-family buyers, don't overlook basements, garages and exterior conditions.

The most important rule is simple: If something doesn't match your purchase agreement, raise it before closing.

Buying a Chicago Home? Get Guidance From Offer to Closing

From your first showing to the final walkthrough, buying a home involves important decisions about property condition, financing, negotiations and closing requirements.

The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps first-time buyers, condo buyers and relocation clients navigate the Chicago real estate market.

Whether you're considering a condo in the South Loop or University Village, or a single-family home in the Western Suburbs, our team can help you evaluate properties, coordinate with your attorney and lender, and prepare for the buying process.

Ready to find your next Chicago home? Connect with our team to explore available properties and move toward closing with greater confidence.

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