Sell With Confidence, Not Surprises
A pre-listing inspection gives you the same information a buyer’s inspector will find, but weeks earlier. That means time to make repairs, collect estimates and set the right price before your home hits the market.
- Identify issues before buyers do
- Repair on your schedule and budget
- Price your home with confidence
- Fewer renegotiations at closing
A pre-listing inspection is a home inspection ordered by the seller before the home goes on the market. It shows you what a buyer’s inspector is likely to find, so you can make repairs on your own terms, price the home accurately and reduce renegotiation. Also, Lee’s Home Inspections performs pre-listing inspections throughout Louisville and nine surrounding Kentucky counties.
Why Sellers Order a Pre-Listing Inspection
Most buyers will hire their own inspector once your home is under contract. When that report reveals a problem, you are suddenly negotiating under a deadline, often with the buyer’s contractor quotes and limited room to push back. A pre-listing inspection flips that dynamic. You learn about issues first, while you still have time and options.
- Fewer surprises: discover problems before a buyer does and avoid deals falling apart late in the process.
- Control over repairs: choose your own contractors, compare estimates and schedule work on your timeline.
- Accurate pricing: price the home with a clear understanding of its condition, or adjust for known issues upfront.
- Buyer confidence: a recent inspection report and repair receipts help buyers feel comfortable making a strong offer.
- Smoother closing: fewer repair requests and renegotiations can mean a faster, less stressful sale.
What a Pre-Listing Inspection Covers
A pre-listing inspection is just as thorough as a buyer’s inspection. Following the Kentucky Standards of Practice, Lee evaluates the roof and exterior, foundation and structure, basement or crawlspace, electrical system, plumbing and water heater, heating and cooling, attic and insulation, interior, windows, doors and built-in appliances. In addition, Lee photographs every significant finding and explains it in plain English.
Common Issues Found Before Listing in the Louisville Area
Many of the items that stall home sales are simple to address when you find them early. Common examples in the region include missing GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms, gutters and downspouts that drain toward the foundation, damp basements or crawlspaces after heavy rains, aging water heaters and HVAC equipment, worn roof flashing and minor wood rot around windows and doors. Small fixes like these can remove easy negotiating points from a buyer’s repair request.
How to Use Your Pre-Listing Inspection Report
Start with the summary of significant findings and review it with your real estate agent. Decide which items to repair, which to credit and which to disclose as-is. Keep receipts for completed work. Because disclosure obligations matter, talk with your agent about how to handle the report alongside your Kentucky seller disclosure form.
Scheduling Your Pre-Listing Inspection
Lee answers calls and texts 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm, so you can schedule around showings, work and family. Plus, call or text (502) 376-0856, or request your inspection online. Buying your next home too? Book your buyer’s home inspection with Lee as well. We serve all of Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Hardin, Nelson, Henry and Trimble Counties.
Along with a pre-listing inspection, HUD’s housing resources can help you prepare to sell.
Have questions first? Browse our home inspection FAQ, meet Lee Wiard, or see all home inspection services.
At a Glance
- Typical time: 2 to 4 hours
- Report typically within 24 working hours
- 23+ years · 7,000+ inspections
- Louisville + 9 Kentucky counties
- Call or text (502) 376-0856
Why a Pre-Listing Inspection Pays Off
Discover problems before a buyer’s inspector does.
Choose contractors and compare estimates.
List at a price that reflects true condition.
Share the report and repair receipts.
Reduce the risk of a buyer walking away.
Fewer repair requests and renegotiations.
How a Pre-Listing Inspection Works
From your first call to your final question, every step is simple and clear so you can focus on your move.
Call or text Lee at (502) 376-0856, or send a request online. Furthermore, Lee answers calls and texts 7 days a week.
Lee inspects the home from top to bottom, usually in 2 to 4 hours. You are welcome to attend and ask questions.
A clear, photo-rich digital report with a summary of key findings, ready to share with your agent.
Questions after the inspection? Call Lee. He is happy to walk you through any finding in the report.
You May Also Need
Inspections and tests that pair well with this service. Buying? See our buyer’s home inspection.
A complete roof-to-foundation inspection before you buy.
A close look at your roof, flashing, gutters and attic.
48-hour continuous radon monitoring.
Pre-Listing Inspection Questions
Is a pre-listing inspection worth it?
For many sellers, yes. It reveals issues before buyers find them, lets you choose your own contractors and timeline, and reduces the chance of last-minute renegotiation or a buyer walking away.
Do I have to share the report with buyers?
Discuss disclosure with your real estate agent. Kentucky sellers must complete a seller disclosure form, and known material defects generally need to be disclosed. Many sellers share the report, along with repair receipts, to build buyer trust. You can add radon testing to any inspection.
Will buyers still get their own inspection?
Usually, yes. A pre-listing inspection does not replace the buyer’s inspection, but it greatly reduces surprises because you already know the home’s condition. Buying? In addition, see our buyer’s home inspection. Buying? See our buyer’s home inspection.
When should I schedule a pre-listing inspection?
Ideally a few weeks before listing, so you have time to make repairs, collect estimates and update your pricing strategy. More answers are in our home inspection FAQ.
What does a pre-listing inspection include?
The same thorough, roof-to-foundation evaluation as a buyer’s inspection, with a photo-rich report you can use to plan repairs.
Book Your Pre-Listing Inspection
Call or text Lee at (502) 376-0856 or request your inspection online. Calls answered 7 days a week, 7am to 10pm.