Kentucky Home Selling Guides
Every Kentucky guide I've written, all in one place: probate, inherited houses, foreclosure, back taxes, vacant houses and problem tenants. Kentucky has some unusual rules, including an inheritance tax, a certificate system for unpaid taxes and a landlord-tenant act that applies only in some cities. Start with your situation, and keep the five rules below handy.
Reviewed by Dennis Fassett, founder of Dennis Buys Houses · Updated November 2026
General information, not legal advice. Kentucky's 120 counties each have their own courts, clerk and county attorney, so confirm the details for yours.
Start With Your Situation
- How to Sell a House in Probate in KentuckyPowers of sale, court orders to sell, affidavits of descent and the six-month claims window.
- Selling an Inherited House in KentuckySurvivorship wording, Kentucky's inheritance tax, siblings, disclosure and selling from out of state.
- Selling a House in Foreclosure in KentuckyCourt foreclosure, master commissioner sales, the two-thirds rule and deficiencies.
- Selling a House With Delinquent Property Taxes in KentuckyCertificates of delinquency, third-party purchasers, the one-year wait and the 2026 changes.
- Selling a Vacant House in KentuckyInsurance, code enforcement in Louisville and Lexington, unwanted occupants and weather.
- Selling a House With Bad Tenants in KentuckyWhich cities use the act, seven- and 14-day notices, forcible detainer and deposit rules.
Five Kentucky Rules That Change Your Options
- No power of sale means a court orderThe personal representative asks the district court, with notice to everyone with an interest. (KRS 389A.010)
- Creditors get six monthsFrom the personal representative's appointment. (KRS 396.011)
- Foreclosures go through courtWith a limited redemption right if the sale brings less than two-thirds of appraised value. (KRS 426.530)
- Unpaid taxes become certificatesWith 12% interest, and no foreclosure until a year after delinquency. (KRS 134.546)
- Survivorship must be written into the deedKentucky abolished automatic survivorship. (KRS 381.130)
Want a Number to Compare Against?
Tell me about your Kentucky house and what's going on. I'll give you a straight as-is number, and tell you if listing makes more sense.
Kentucky Cities I Work In
I buy all over Kentucky, and I'm especially active in the Louisville and Lexington metros. The guides point out where that matters, from the landlord-tenant act in both cities to Louisville Metro's code enforcement and landbank.
How It Works
- 1Tell me about the house
Two minutes online or a phone call. The address, the condition and what's going on.
- 2Get a straight as-is number
No repairs, no showings. I'll tell you how I got there, and if listing would net you more.
- 3Pick your closing date
Close with a Kentucky title company or closing attorney on the date that works for you, with remote signing if you're out of state. Take what you want and leave the rest.
An as-is offer is a benchmark, not a commitment. There's no obligation to accept my offer — you're in the driver's seat.
Where I Fit, and Where I Don't
I'm usually a good fit when the house needs work, is full of belongings, is tied up in an estate, foreclosure, back taxes or a tenant problem, or you just want it handled.
And you won't be asked to empty the house for Dennis Buys Houses. Leave what you don't want; we'll take care of it.
I may not be a good fit if the house is in good shape and you have time to list it. A listing will likely net you more in that case, and I'll tell you so.
Whatever the situation, I'll tell you upfront whether I'm the right fit for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They're written around Kentucky statutes and courts, with notes for Louisville and Lexington.
For probate, foreclosure and eviction questions, a Kentucky attorney is worth calling. The guides help you know what to ask.
Yes. Take what matters and leave the rest. Dennis Buys Houses handles what's left.
Very common, like an inherited house with tax certificates that's sitting empty. Start with the nearest deadline.
Tell me about the house online or call me. I'll give you a straight number and tell you if listing would net more.
Kentucky statutes are online through the Kentucky General Assembly. Your county clerk, PVA and district court post their own records and forms.
Kentucky Selling Guides
- How to Sell a House in Probate in Kentucky
- Selling an Inherited House in Kentucky
- Selling a House in Foreclosure in Kentucky
- Selling a House With Delinquent Property Taxes in Kentucky
- Selling a Vacant House in Kentucky
- Selling a House With Bad Tenants in Kentucky
Have a House in Kentucky You Need to Sell?
Tell me about the house and what's going on. I'll give you a straight as-is number, and if a listing would leave you better off, I'll tell you.