Your essential homebuyer checklist for Durham Region, East GTA, and Northumberland County
Buying a home is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming, especially as you approach closing day. One of the most overlooked (yet crucial) steps in the Ontario home buying process is the final walkthrough.
At Team Prata Real Estate, we help buyers across Durham Region, the East GTA, and Northumberland County understand the entire process from start to finish and the final walkthrough is one step we never let our clients skip.
What Is a Final Walkthrough?
The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to physically inspect your new home before you take possession. It typically happens 24 to 48 hours before closing and is done with your real estate agent present.
This is not a full home inspection but it is a vital check to ensure:
The property is in the same condition (or better) than when you submitted your offer
No new damage has occurred since your home inspection
All repairs requested during negotiations have been completed
All items listed in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale are still in the home
What Should Ontario Buyers Look For?
Here’s what we recommend checking during your final walkthrough:
Condition of the Property
Walk through each room and take your time. Are the walls, floors, and ceilings still in good shape? Are there any signs of water damage or issues that weren’t there before?
Confirm Repairs Are Completed
If the seller agreed to fix anything—like plumbing, electrical, or broken appliances now’s your time to confirm the work is done. If it’s not, your agent may need to push for compensation or delay closing.
Appliances and Fixtures
In Durham Region and the East GTA, it’s common to include appliances in your offer. But don’t assume everything is still there. Double-check that all included items such as:
Refrigerator
Stove
Washer and dryer
Curtain rods
Window coverings
Smart home systems (like thermostats or doorbells)
…are still in place and working.
Check for Cleanliness and Garbage
The seller is expected to leave the home in a broom-swept condition. That means no piles of trash, no furniture that wasn’t meant to stay, and no mess left behind in the garage or basement.
Why Final Walkthroughs in Ontario Are So Important
Once you sign the paperwork and close on your home, it’s incredibly difficult to address issues afterward especially if the seller has already moved out of province or changed contact information. That’s why we encourage our buyers in Northumberland County and across the GTA to approach this step carefully.
It’s not about being picky it’s about protecting your investment.
Final Walkthrough Tips from Team Prata Real Estate
Here’s how we guide our clients through this process:
We bring a copy of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale so we can cross-reference what should be present
We test light switches, faucets, appliances, and door locks
We open all cupboards, check behind doors, and even peek in the garage and shed
We take photos if anything is missing or not in proper condition
We don’t sign off until our buyers feel 100% confident
Serving Buyers Across Durham, East GTA, and Northumberland
Whether you're buying a home in Whitby, Brooklin, Oshawa, Cobourg, Bowmanville, or Trent Hills, our team ensures every detail is covered—so there are no surprises on closing day.
Ready to Buy with Confidence?
If you're thinking of buying a home in Ontario and want a real estate team that has your back from the first showing to the final walkthrough—we're here to help.
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📍 Proudly serving Durham Region, East GTA, and Northumberland County