A Pre-Listing Home Inspection is similar to a Home Buyer inspection in that a Licensed Home Inspector conducts it; the end-result is identification of defects in a main system of the home, if any. The purpose and timing of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection differ from a Home Buyer inspection.

A Pre-Listing Home Inspection is sometimes called a "Seller's Inspection" because the term 'Pre-Listing Inspection' is somewhat misleading - the inspection does not have to be conducted prior to listing the home on the market, although that tends to be the preferred timing of the inspection. The Home Seller becomes aware of defects that may affect the sale price of the home, the length of time on the market and steps that the homeowner can take to rectify defects either before or after listing the home for sale. Seller's Inspections are growing in popularity as more Realtor's and homeowners realize the benefits. Realtor.com advises:

• Inspecting the house inside and out as if you were the Buyer. Then decide what improvements you should make before putting the house on the market.
• Financially sound improvements include fresh paint, wallpaper and landscaping ("curb appeal").
• Capital improvements cannot be recovered in the sale, so keep improvements to a realistic rate of return.
• To get top dollar for your home, mechanical repairs should be made to ensure all systems and appliances are in good working condition.