ELIKA buyer roadmap · New York City
Confirm the property is ready for closing.
The final walk-through verifies condition, agreed repairs, included property and basic operation immediately before the transfer.
What this stage accomplishes
This is a condition check—not a new inspection contingency.
Schedule the walk-through as close to closing as practical, commonly the day before or the day of closing. Bring the contract or a list of included items and repair obligations so the apartment can be compared with the agreed condition.
Test accessible fixtures, appliances and systems, confirm the seller’s possessions and debris have been removed, and document any new damage or unresolved contractual item for the attorney before closing.
Final walk-through checklist
Check, test and document.
Notify your attorney immediately if a contractual repair, included item or material condition issue remains unresolved.
Contract and agreed work
- Agreed repairs appear complete
- Receipts or warranties were provided where required
- Included fixtures, appliances and personal property remain
- No unexpected alteration or removal is visible
Appliances and mechanicals
- Refrigerator and freezer operate
- Range, oven, microwave and dishwasher operate
- Washer and dryer operate if included
- Heating, cooling and thermostats respond
- Fans, remotes, keypads, doorbell and alarm components are present
Plumbing and water
- Hot and cold water run at each fixture
- Sinks, tubs and showers drain
- Toilets flush and refill
- No active leak or new water damage is visible
- Jacuzzi or specialty fixtures operate if included
Electrical, doors and windows
- Light fixtures and switches operate
- Accessible outlets test properly
- Windows and doors open, close and lock
- No newly broken glass, hardware or screen is visible
- Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors are present as required
Condition and cleanliness
- Seller’s belongings and garbage are removed as agreed
- Floors, walls, ceilings and finishes show no new damage
- Closets, storage and included areas are empty
- Apartment is in the agreed broom-clean condition
- Keys, fobs, remotes and access devices are accounted for
House or townhouse exterior
- Roof, façade, stairs, railings and grounds show no new damage
- Exterior lights and accessible outlets operate
- Irrigation or included exterior systems appear operational
- Landscaping and included exterior property remain as agreed
- Garage door and related controls operate
If something is wrong
Pause, document and call counsel.
Photograph the condition
Create a clear record of the unresolved repair, missing item, damage or operational problem.
Contact the attorney
Let counsel determine the legal response and communicate with the seller’s attorney before closing.
Follow the negotiated path
Depending on the contract and circumstances, the attorneys may arrange correction, credit, escrow or another documented solution.
The ELIKA buyer advantage
Advice aligned to one side: yours.
Your ELIKA agent attends the walk-through, helps compare the property with the contract and prior condition, and coordinates factual observations with the attorneys before closing.
Private buyer representation
Build the right plan before the next decision.
Final verification
The walk-through confirms condition—not perfection.
The final walk-through is the buyer’s last opportunity before closing to confirm that the property is in the expected condition, agreed items remain and no new material problem has appeared since contract.
Compare the apartment with the contract-era condition.
Look for new damage, leaks, broken fixtures or other material changes that occurred after inspection or contract signing.
Confirm what was supposed to remain.
Fixtures, appliances and any specifically included personal property should still be present unless the contract states otherwise.
Verify agreed work where applicable.
If the parties documented specific repairs or credits, confirm the visible work or supporting evidence before closing.
Test what can reasonably be tested.
Check lights, plumbing fixtures, appliances, HVAC controls, windows and other accessible systems to confirm they are functioning as expected.
Confirm the seller has substantially moved out.
The apartment should be delivered according to the contract, including agreed vacancy, removal of personal property and broom-clean condition where required.
Document first; resolve through counsel.
Photograph meaningful issues and contact the buyer’s attorney before closing so any remedy, escrow, credit or delay is handled legally rather than informally.