When it comes to putting a home for sale on the market, extensive preparation is the key to success. It’s important to be aware of city ordinances that will affect the selling process, because the last thing a seller wants to deal with is a fine for not following the rules. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that some cities require a Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH) evaluation before they can sell their property.
What Is Truth in Sale of Housing
The purpose of Truth in Sale of Housing inspections is to add transparency to the home buying process. It is beneficial to homebuyers who may be unsure about the integrity of a home and to sellers who want to provide proof that the home is in good shape.
When a homeowner gets a TISH inspection, they hire a contractor to look around their property for issues. A TISH inspection is not as thorough as a typical buyer’s home inspection that identifies any repairs needed and potential problem areas because the aim is only to locate health and safety risks.
Inspection Responsibilities
City-mandated home inspections aren’t a requirement for everyone, so check out this list of cities that have made the process mandatory, Minneapolis is one of them. If you’re in a city with a TISH requirement, you must hire a licensed Truth in Housing (TIH) evaluator to complete the work. Typically, these contractors work for private businesses and not the city itself. This means they’ll compete on price and the quality of work will vary.
It’s important to go with a reputable home inspector when you’re completing your TISH responsibilities. Since this type of inspection is more about resident safety than the general upkeep of the home, it’s in your best interest to get a job well done. It can be quite a setback to learn that part of your home poses a danger to its occupants because a TIH inspector missed it on their walkthrough. Read reviews and go with a reputable service to avoid headaches.
When to Get a TISH Inspection
TISH inspections help homeowners learn about home repairs they need to complete before it goes on the market. These necessary home improvements might be easy to miss at first glance, but they are the kinds of things that someone buying a home will be on the lookout for. Buyer’s inspectors will likely analyze the quality of the home even closer than a TISH inspector, so it’s best to get the process out of the way as soon as possible.
When you know you’re going to sell your home and you live in a city where TISH inspections are required, setting one up should be one of the first things you do. The inspector will be able to point out the parts of the home that require attention before it goes to market. After the inspection, you will receive a report that is valid for two years or until the home sells. (A new inspection will be required before the buyer can resell the home, even if they sell before the two year mark.)
How to Prepare
While every city is different, there are some commonalities in TISH reports to be aware of. If you’re going to get an inspection, here are some of the things that will be evaluated:
- There should be a carbon monoxide detector within ten feet of every bedroom.
- Every level of the home must have a smoke detector in a common area as well as one in every bedroom.
- All home vents should have proper clearance from combustible materials. Keep in mind that drywall is considered combustible. Ensure that there is 6” of space for single vents and 1” of space for double vents. Find more information on home fire safety tips here.
- Boilers should have no gaps or breaks in the outer jacket and have proper backflow prevention devices.
- Abandoned plumbing fixtures must be replaced or removed.
- Spliced wiring without a junction box must be fixed.
- Broken lights and outlets that present a shock hazard need repair.
These are just some of the common problems that inspectors look for. Before you set up a walkthrough with your contractor, take a look at your city’s specific list of requirements. You might want to make a few minor changes around the house before they take a look.
Getting Set for a Sale
Once you have completed a Truth in Sale of Housing inspection, it’s time to shift your attention to home tours. Safety is an important part of a home, but what will really impress people is functionality and aesthetics.
If you want to bring out all of your home’s potential, it takes great staging to make it look its best. Read our blog post, “How to Stage a Home for Sale: The Do’s and Don’ts Simplified” before you schedule an open house.