Minnesota Cities that Require a Pre Sale Inspection

If you're getting ready to sell your home in Minnesota, there's one important step that's easy to overlook: some Twin Cities communities require a city inspection before you can sell or, in some cases, even market your home.

Depending on the city, you may hear it called a Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) inspection, Time-of-Sale inspection, Point-of-Sale inspection, or Housing Evaluation.

The requirements vary considerably from one community to another. Some inspections are primarily about disclosure, while others may identify repairs or corrections that need to be addressed as part of the sale.

That's why this is something I like sellers to figure out before the For Sale sign goes in the yard.

What Is a Truth-in-Sale or Pre-Sale Home Inspection?

A municipal pre-sale inspection is different from the home inspection a buyer typically orders after making an offer.

When required, the seller generally arranges for a city-approved or licensed evaluator to inspect the property. Depending on the community, the evaluation may cover health and safety issues, plumbing, electrical components, structural conditions, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and other items covered by the city's ordinance.

The resulting report may need to be provided to prospective buyers or filed with the city.

Requirements vary significantly, so always verify the current rules with the city where the property is located.

Minnesota Cities that Require a Pre Sale Inspection / TISH / Point-of-Sale Inspections

The following Twin Cities communities currently have pre-sale inspection, Truth-in-Sale, Time-of-Sale, Point-of-Sale or related requirements.

Bloomington Time-of-Sale Housing Inspection Program

Columbia Heights  Time-of-Sale Program

Golden Valley - Sewer service inspection requirements may apply when selling a property.

Maplewood Truth-in-Sale of Housing

Minneapolis Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH)

New Hope Point-of-Sale Inspection

Richfield Point-of-Sale Inspection

St Louis Park Housing Inspection

St Paul Truth-in-Sale of Housing

South St Paul Time of Sale Program

• Because municipal ordinances and procedures can change, always check directly with the city for current requirements before listing your home.
  
  

  When Should You Schedule the Inspection?

  Don't wait until you've accepted an offer to find out.
  
  If you're thinking about selling, determine whether your city has a requirement early in the process. Some communities have specific rules about when the evaluation must be completed and how the report must be made available to potential buyers.
  
  Knowing about the requirement ahead of time also gives you an opportunity to address potential issues without the pressure of an upcoming closing date.
  
  

  What Happens If the Inspection Finds a Problem?

  This depends on the city and the particular issue.
  
  A pre-sale inspection does not necessarily mean that everything identified must be repaired before you can sell your home. Some communities distinguish between required corrections and items that simply need to be disclosed. In other situations, responsibility for certain corrections may be transferred as part of the sale.
  
  Before spending money on repairs, make sure you understand exactly what your city's program requires.
  
  

  Preparing to Sell a Home in Minnesota

  If your community requires a pre-sale inspection, here are a few things to address early:
  
  

  1. Check the city's current requirements before putting your home on the market.
  2. Determine whether you need a city-approved or licensed evaluator.
  3. Find out how long the inspection report remains valid.
  4. Understand which items, if any, must be corrected.
  5. Keep copies of the inspection report and required documentation.
  6. Make sure all required disclosures are available to potential buyers.

  And most importantly, don't make expensive repairs simply because you assume they're necessary. Find out what the city actually requires and consider how any repairs fit into your overall selling strategy.
  
  

  Thinking About Selling Your Twin Cities Home?

  Preparing a home for sale involves much more than choosing a list price and putting it online. My job is to help you understand the process before we list, identify what is worth doing to prepare your home, and avoid spending money where it isn't necessary.
  
  If you're considering selling a home in the Twin Cities, I can help you put together a plan that makes sense for your home, your timeline and the way you want to move forward.
  
  Your Life. Your Way. You're Home.