Your Local Guide to a Smooth Closing in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk & Suffolk

Before you sign your closing documents and officially become a homeowner in Hampton Roads, there’s one last — and extremely important — step in the process: the final walk-through. This is your chance to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to buy it in and that nothing has changed since your inspection or negotiations.

In Coastal Virginia, most buyers complete their walk-through 24–72 hours before closing, though new construction communities (especially in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk) often require multiple walk-throughs to confirm the final product.

Use this complete, locally tailored walk-through checklist to make sure your new home is ready for move-in and free of surprises.

What You Should Be Checking During Your Final Walk-Through

Here are the core items buyers across Hampton Roads should verify before closing — arranged in a new, more intuitive order.

1. Ensure the Home Is Completely Clean & Empty

Start simple: verify the home is cleared out and “broom clean.”
In Hampton Roads, most purchase agreements require only a basic clean-out — not a deep clean.

Check:

• Closets, drawers & cabinets

• Garage, shed, attic, and crawl space (very common in our region)

• Behind doors and appliances

• Leftover trash, paint cans, chemicals, or furniture

Pro tip: The seller should not leave behind anything you didn’t agree to accept. Take photos of anything left behind.

2. Confirm All Seller-Accepted Repairs Are Fully Complete

If you negotiated repairs after the inspection, this is your moment to verify they were done — correctly.

Look for:

• Repairs completed professionally

• Surfaces that match (paint, texture, flooring)

• No temporary fixes

• Receipts or warranties from licensed contractors

Pro tip: Bring your repair addendum, punch list, and photos from the inspection for comparison.

3. Test Plumbing Throughout the Home

Hampton Roads homes often have crawl spaces, older plumbing, and moisture concerns — so water systems deserve extra attention.

Check:

• Hot & cold water at every faucet

• Drains flowing properly

• Toilets flushing and refilling

• No leaks under sinks

• Water heater temperature & performance

• Signs of moisture in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or crawl space access

Pro tip: Water heaters in Hampton Roads typically last 8–12 years—note the age in case replacement is coming soon.

4. Verify Appliances & Fixtures Are Working Properly

Everything promised in the contract must still be present and functioning.

Test:

• Oven, stove, and microwave

• Refrigerator & freezer temperatures

• Dishwasher cycle

• Washer & dryer

• Garbage disposal

• Exhaust fans, light switches & ceiling fans

Pro tip: Use a small thermometer to verify fridge and oven temperatures — easy, quick, and accurate.

5. Inspect the Condition of Walls, Ceilings & Floors

Look for new damage, sloppy repairs, or issues that may have appeared after the seller moved out.

Look for:

• Cracks in ceilings or drywall

• Water stains

• Patchwork that doesn’t blend

• Loose tiles or flooring gaps

• Scuffs, dents, or holes

Pro tip: Moving furniture can expose hidden damage — check behind doors and where large items once sat.

6. Check for Signs of Mold, Moisture, or Pests

With our humidity, older homes, and water proximity, Hampton Roads buyers must pay attention to moisture.

Inspect for:

• Musty smells

• Bubbling paint

• Warped trim or flooring

• Visible mold around windows, bathrooms, or attics

• Pest droppings or chew marks

Pro tip: A musty smell often indicates a moisture issue even if mold isn’t visible.

7. Make Sure Electrical Systems & HVAC Are Working

Electrical and air systems are essential — especially in Virginia’s hot summers.

Test:

• Outlets (especially GFCI in kitchen/bath)

• Light switches

• Thermostat and HVAC heating/cooling

• Ceiling fans

• Outdoor outlets and fixtures

Pro tip: Bring a $10 outlet tester — it will instantly confirm if outlets are grounded and wired correctly.

8. Confirm Security Items & Locks Are Functional

Safety is essential. Walk the home and test all points of entry.

Check:

• Door locks (front, back, side, garage entry)

• Window locks

• Garage door keypad & remotes

• Smart lock codes

• Security system panels, cameras, or sensors if included

Pro tip: Request all access codes and reset them immediately after closing.

9. Ensure Seller’s Items That Should Stay HAVE Stayed

Sometimes sellers accidentally take items that convey with the home.

Make sure these remain:

• Mounted TVs (if contractually included)

• Curtain rods, blinds, shades

• Light fixtures

• Outdoor items agreed upon (sheds, playsets, patio furniture)

• Landscaping elements

Pro tip: Bring your contract so you know exactly what was supposed to transfer.

10. Inspect the Exterior & Property Grounds

Weather and storms are common in Hampton Roads — so check the exterior thoroughly.

Walk around and look for:

• Loose or missing shingles

• Damaged siding

• Broken fencing

• Missing outdoor lighting

• Landscaping condition

• Removed exterior items

• Driveway cracks or new damage

Pro tip: If the walk-through happens after a coastal storm, examine gutters, crawl space vents, and drainage areas.

What to Do If You Find Problems During the Walk-Through

Issues happen — but they don’t have to derail your closing.

For Small Issues:

• Your agent may request a quick repair

• OR negotiate a seller credit

• OR agree to handle it after closing

For Bigger Problems:

• Ask for repairs before settlement

• Or request money held in escrow

• Or delay closing (as a last resort)

Your agent will guide negotiations — avoid contacting the seller directly.

Tips for a Smooth Final Walk-Through in Hampton Roads

✔ Give yourself plenty of time — don’t rush
✔ Bring your contract & inspection report
✔ Take photos or video of everything
✔ Test every system, outlet, and faucet
✔ Speak up immediately about real issues
✔ Don’t assume something small isn’t important

Your walk-through is your last chance to protect your investment.

Ready for Closing? You’re Almost a Hampton Roads Homeowner.

With a thorough walk-through and the right local guidance, you’re just steps away from owning your new home in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Suffolk.