Don’t Skip This Final Step Before Closing Your Fargo-Moorhead Home

By Christopher Leigh
July 15, 2025, 3:29 PM CDT

In today’s competitive Fargo-Moorhead housing market, where buyers often pay top dollar and waive inspections, the final walk-through is a vital safeguard for your investment. This pre-closing visit ensures no surprises await after you sign the papers. Vision Realty, your local expert at 509 Front St, Hawley, MN 56549, stresses its importance—contact us at (701) 715-4747 or visit visionrealty.us for support!

The Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce officially states, “A final walk-through is a critical step in the homebuying process, ensuring buyers receive the property as agreed upon in the contract.” Even if your agent suggests skipping it or the seller resists, insist on this step to protect your interests.

What to Check During the Walk-Through

Typically held 24 to 72 hours before closing, the walk-through verifies:

• The home’s condition matches or exceeds its state at offer acceptance.
• Agreed repairs are completed.
• Fixtures and appliances included in the deal remain.
• No new damage (e.g., leaks, vandalism) has occurred.

It’s not about minor cosmetic flaws but ensuring accountability. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Echo Fine Properties, warns, “Sellers sometimes remove chandeliers or refrigerators—always do a walk-through to catch this.”

Use this checklist:

• Flush toilets.
• Test lights and outlets.
• Run appliances.
• Open/close windows and garage doors.
• Check AC and hot water.
• Look for new water damage.
• Confirm fixtures and a clean property.

If owners have moved out, this is your best chance to inspect the home thoroughly, checking floors and walls for any hidden issues previously obscured.

Why It Might Be Skipped

Tight timelines, seller relocation, or agent assumptions can lead to skipping it—don’t let that happen. Andrew Fortune of Great Colorado Homes notes, “Even ‘as-is’ deals need a walk-through for unexpected issues like fire or storm damage.” Lichtenstein recalls a case where water damage led to a canceled deal, saving the buyer from mold costs.

Issues like faulty AC or foundation cracks can be uncovered, preventable with a walk-through, ensuring major repairs aren’t your burden post-closing.

How to Ensure It Happens

• Include it in your purchase agreement.
• Request scheduling early with your Vision Realty agent.
• Bring a checklist and camera.
• Verify repairs with receipts.

The Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce adds, “If issues are found, buyers have the right to delay closing or negotiate resolutions, safeguarding their investment.”

Protect your Fargo-Moorhead home purchase with Vision Realty. Visit visionrealty.us for more tips. Broker: Christopher Leigh, GRI, RSPS, e-PRO. Equal Housing Opportunity provider—content for informational use only; consult professionals.