By Joe Stephenson, REALTOR® | November 2025
Summary: Avoid buyer red flags and sell faster with our ultimate pre-listing home inspection checklist. Download the free PDF and Excel templates to identify necessary repairs, boost curb appeal, and prepare your home for market in Kansas City and beyond.
Did you know that according to industry data, home inspection issues are responsible for a significant percentage of delayed or terminated contracts? Preparation is everything when it comes to a successful sale.
That’s why I swear by a solid pre-sale home inspection. Having the home inspected early is the best way to catch potential issues before they turn into unpleasant surprises. Trust me, getting ahead of these details makes the entire experience smoother.
I always refer to my pre-listing home inspection checklist as my go-to tool. It’s a comprehensive to-do list covering structural issues, worn areas, and leaky faucets. Regardless of where you are, focusing on these details adds value to the property and boosts buyer interest.
Download Your Free Inspection Checklist
Download the pre-listing home inspection checklist spreadsheet directly here.
Why a Pre-Listing Inspection is Critical
A pre-listing home inspection is a helpful step in the home selling process. It allows sellers to identify and resolve potential property issues, avoiding unpleasant surprises. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) notes that pre-listing inspections can significantly reduce the stress of the negotiation process.
By addressing needed repairs and updating fixtures, you create a market-ready home inspection report that builds buyer confidence. If you’re local, check out our guide on how to prepare to sell your house in Kansas City.
It’s also incredibly useful for setting the right listing price. If the home is in great shape, we can justify a more competitive price. If you’re wondering about value, learn how to determine the value of a house accurately.
Buyers are going to conduct a home inspection and find these issues anyway. If your seller finds them first and corrects them, that’s fewer surprises for the buyer and that’s a good thing. It can save them even more money from second round negotiations.
0:00 home inspections are always tense buyers 0:03 are going to conduct a home inspection 0:04 anyway yet you’re probably not 0:07 encouraging your sellers to conduct a 0:08 pre-listing inspection why pre-listing 0:22 home inspections a good idea or a bad 0:25 idea 0:26 definitely a good idea I know I know 0:29 your seller doesn’t want to conduct an 0:31 inspection and find out everything 0:33 that’s wrong with their home because 0:34 then they’re going to have to disclose 0:35 those issues and won’t that just turn 0:37 buyers off buyers are going to conduct a 0:40 home inspection and find these issues 0:42 anyway if your seller finds them first 0:44 and corrects them that’s fewer surprises 0:46 for the buyer and that’s a good thing 0:48 yes this does mean a little bit more 0:51 money and work upfront on behalf of the 0:53 seller but it can save them even more 0:55 money from second round negotiations for 0:58 repairs or credits and it could 1:01 potentially even save the entire deal 1:03 remember 1:04 the goal is to sell the home not just 1:07 listed one of the top reasons why deals 1:10 fall apart is due to home inspection 1:12 issues either the buyer gets hit with a 1:14 ton of stuff they didn’t expect they get 1:16 scared and walk away or they ask the 1:19 seller for huge sums of money for 1:21 repairs that the seller then rejects hey 1:24 if we found one buyer we can find 1:26 another right at the very least your 1:30 seller should inspect the major systems 1:32 of the home and other large ticket items 1:34 such as septic systems and the roof 1:36 still not convinced let me ask you if 1:39 your seller would appreciate any or all 1:41 of the following potentially more money 1:44 in their pocket at the end of the 1:45 transaction a fully informed buyer that 1:48 knows what they’re buying when they 1:50 write that contract a better and more 1:52 appealing product to go to market with 1:54 to attract buyers a transparent 1:57 negotiation process that won’t require a 1:59 tough second round of going back and 2:01 forth over issues about the home that 2:03 were previously unknown a smooth 2:05 transaction that doesn’t fall through 2:07 and gets them to where they want to go 2:09 on time if you answered yes to any of 2:13 these 2:13 time that you educate your sellers on 2:15 the value of conducting a home 2:17 inspection before they go to market let 2:20 me restate this in case it wasn’t clear 2:22 before you and the seller will need to 2:24 disclose any material defects that are 2:26 uncovered about the home even if they 2:29 are repaired this is a good thing though 2:31 it shows buyers that the sellers are 2:33 being transparent and that they’re 2:35 taking good care of the home it also 2:37 sets a good tone for a successful 2:40 negotiation if you’re still on the fence 2:42 about putting this into your pre listing 2:44 process and encouraging your sellers to 2:46 conduct this extremely valuable step 2:49 give your favorite home inspector a call 2:51 and have a chat with him about it ask 2:53 him what he would charge to conduct a 2:55 pre listing inspection and see if you’d 2:57 be willing to talk with your sellers 2:59 about the value of doing this before 3:00 they hit the market I’ve said this 3:02 before and I’m saying it again don’t be 3:05 afraid of or skip out on that up front 3:08 work it will save you much more time and 3:10 money down the road 3:12 oh and it’ll most likely reduce your 3:14 stress too and that’s a huge win so put 3:17 some power into your pre listing process 3:20 and talk to your sellers about having 3:22 their home inspected before they list it 3:24 for sale 3:31 hey guys thanks for watching this video 3:34 I hope that you receive some good value 3:36 out of it if you’d like to see more of 3:37 this stuff please subscribe to my 3:39 youtube channel by clicking right there 3:40 and if you want to see some other videos 3:42 you can click a few right there have a 3:45 great day
1. Exterior Inspection
Enhancing the home’s curb appeal is key to creating a positive first impression for potential buyers.
- Foundation: Inspect for cracks, settling, or uneven surfaces.
- Roof & Gutters: Replace missing shingles and ensure gutters are clear for proper drainage.
- Siding & Paint: Look for peeling paint or damage. A fresh coat adds value.
- Windows & Doors: Fix broken screens and ensure proper alignment.
- Landscaping: Trim bushes and ensure pathways are safe.
2. Interior Inspection
The interior should be clean, safe, and free of visible property issues. This is crucial for your property management cleaning checklist.
- Walls & Floors: Repair scratches, chips, and water stains. Touch up paint.
- Doors & Cabinets: Ensure they open/close smoothly and hardware is tight.
- Electrical: Test all outlets and light switches. Replace burnt-out bulbs.
- Kitchen & Bath: Check for leaky faucets and ensure appliances work.
For landlords, this process is similar to using a condition of rental property checklist.
3. Utilities & Systems
Ensure major systems are in good condition to satisfy inspectors and buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, HVAC issues are a top deal-killer.
- Plumbing: Check pipes for leaks and water heaters for rust.
- Electrical: Verify circuit breakers are up to code and test GFCI outlets.
- HVAC: Clean ducts and replace filters. Ensure smooth operation.
Regular maintenance is key. Use our summer home maintenance checklist to stay ahead.
Overwhelmed by the list?
You don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a free pre-listing consultation and we’ll help you prioritize repairs that offer the highest ROI.
4. Documentation & Final Prep
Provide transparent records to buyers. Gather receipts for repairs, maintenance records, and prepare the seller disclosure form. Pair this checklist with a home selling real estate transaction process flow chart to stay organized. Don’t forget a real estate closing checklist template for the final steps.
5. Final Presentation
Make the property inviting. Deep clean carpets and grout using a cleaning checklist. Declutter personal items and stage the home. Use our home staging checklist to evaluate your presentation.
What To Do After the Inspection Checklist?
Once you’ve run through the list, it’s time to decide: fix, disclose, or price accordingly. If you found significant issues, consider getting quotes from local contractors. If the list is clear, you are ready to list! Need help pricing your now market-ready home? Explore our listing agent services in the Kansas City metro area.
How to Choose a Home Inspector
If you decide to hire a pro for a pre-listing inspection, look for experience and solid reviews. Need a pro? Here are some trusted local home inspectors we recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a pre-listing inspection is optional but highly recommended. It helps you identify issues early, allowing you to make repairs or disclose them upfront, which builds trust with potential buyers.
The cost varies by location and home size but typically ranges from $300 to $600. Considering it can save thousands in last-minute negotiations, many sellers find it a worthy investment.
Not necessarily. You should focus on safety hazards, structural issues, and major systems (HVAC, plumbing). Cosmetic issues are less critical but can impact the final sale price.
You can use our checklist for a DIY assessment, but a professional inspector will catch deeper issues like wiring faults or hidden leaks that an untrained eye might miss.
A professional inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. You will usually receive the written report within 24 hours.
Directly, no. Appraisers focus on value, not just condition. However, if you repair major issues found in the inspection, it can positively influence the appraiser’s assessment of the home’s condition and quality.
Joseph E. Stephenson, REALTOR®
License #00054082 | Kansas & Missouri
Affiliated with Welch & Company (License #CO00000477)
Joseph E. Stephenson is a licensed real estate professional in Kansas and Missouri with a career built on dedication to integrity and client-focused service. To learn more, visit his REALTOR® profile.
