Everything to Know About Buyer Visits + Final Walkthroughs

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but the journey isn’t quite finished the moment your offer gets accepted. Before you pop the champagne and start planning paint colours, there are a couple of key steps every buyer should understand: buyer visits and the final walkthrough. These visits aren’t just formalities, they’re opportunities to plan, prepare, and protect your investment.

What Are Buyer Visits?

When your offer is accepted, it’s done through a document called the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Inside this contract, a clause is included to outline your rights as a buyer to visit the property before closing.

Here’s what’s typically included:

The number of visits (usually 2–4 depending on the length of the closing period)
A maximum time per visit (typically one hour)
Visits scheduled at mutually agreed times with at least 24 hours’ notice
Permission for buyers to bring contractors, designers, or vendors to prepare for work after closing
Sellers vacating the property during these visits
One visit reserved for the final walk-through, typically within 48 hours of closing
Your Realtor’s presence at each visit to ensure everything goes smoothly

Do you have more home-buying questions? We have you covered! Here are a few more videos you might find useful:

How Are Buyer Visits Used?

Early visits are usually less about inspection and more about preparation. Many buyers use them to:

Take measurements for furniture
Plan paint colours and décor
Bring in contractors for quotes
Scope out renovations or upgrades

These visits help you hit the ground running once the property is officially yours.

What Is the Final Walkthrough?

The final walkthrough is different. This visit typically takes place within 48 hours before closing and is all about checking the condition of the property.

During this visit, you’ll:

Test appliances
Check heating and cooling systems
Open and close windows
Run faucets and drains
Confirm everything is in proper working order

Why does this matter? Because the seller is responsible for ensuring the property remains in the same condition up to and including the closing date.

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to closing on a home. For more insights on what to expect at closing, watch our video, “What Are Closing Adjustments When Buying a Home”

Why It Protects You as a Buyer

If something isn’t working during the final walkthrough, your lawyer can negotiate a holdback of funds from the seller until the issue is fixed. If repairs aren’t completed in time, that money can be released to you after closing to cover the cost.

This step is your safety net. It ensures you’re not left footing the bill for problems that should have been addressed before you took possession.

Final Thoughts

Buyer visits and final walk-throughs might seem like small steps, but they play a big role in protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind before closing. From planning furniture layouts to confirming that everything works, these visits give you clarity and confidence as you approach move-in day.

With the right guidance, you’ll know exactly what to look for, and your Realtor will be there every step of the way to make sure things go smoothly.

Ready to make a move? Get in touch with us today by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 416-909-9235, or emailing us at info@yaelandco.com.