The world of real estate is a lucrative business. Whether it’s an old home, a new home, or a condo, property is one of the biggest investments most people buy into.
When there’s so much money involved, it is imperative the inner workings of the property are fully functioning and, most importantly, safe for the potential buyer. That’s where TISH comes in. TISH is a type of home inspection that is meant to protect home buyers so they know what they’re getting into when purchasing a new home.
Here’s what you need to know about TISH and how it can affect your home-buying or selling experience!
What Is TISH?
TISH is an acronym for Truth-In-Sale home inspection.
Let’s say you live in Minneapolis and are looking to sell your home. Of course, you can’t just put your home on the market the day you decide to sell – you must get a TISH inspection first.
A TISH inspection primarily focuses on aspects of the property that can affect the life and health of the occupants. Without a TISH report, a seller can ignore blatant dangers on their property, such as a faulty electrical system or high amounts of radon, which can be costly and life-threatening to the occupants.
A TISH report gives buyers equal ground in the real estate experience, as it uncovers the faults of a home that need to be addressed before new occupants enter.
What Sales Require TISH?
A TISH inspection is required before you show the property to potential buyers. While not all home sales require a TISH report, many of them do.
The most common property transactions that require a TISH report include:
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Condos
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Single-family homes
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Multi-family buildings
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Townhomes
New homes and newly built properties do not require a TISH report as they are given a Certificate of Occupancy inspection by the city.
What Twin Cities Areas Require TISH?
In the Twin Cities metro area, 10 cities require a truth-in-sale home inspection before showing the property:
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Minneapolis
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New Hope
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Maplewood
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Hopkins
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Golden Valley
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Robbinsdale
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St. Paul
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South St. Paul
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Bloomington
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St. Louis Park
What Sales Don’t Require TISH?
Requiring a TISH report depends on the city. However, there are some examples where a TISH report is not required, even in cities where it’s deemed mandatory.
According to St. Paul’s municipal code, sales between immediate family members do not require a TISH report, as well as a house that was once condemned and is now in proper shape.
Additionally, a property that has had a TISH report in the last year will not need another until the one-year mark has passed.
Finally, a new construction property does not need a TISH report if it is being sold or shown.
What’s the Process for a TISH Inspection?
The TISH inspections follow a process that ensures the safety of potential home buyers, which includes:
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The home seller hires a licensed evaluator who can perform TISH inspections in their city.
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This evaluator goes over the property and checks the interior and exterior condition.
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Then, the evaluators file a disclosure report that lists items that need repairs. This report is posted online and is valid for two years. The seller has to display the evaluation at home showings.
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Finally, the seller makes the required repairs and is then given a Certificate of Approval by the city.
Learn more about home inspection laws in Minnesota.
How to Prepare Your Home for a TISH Inspection
If you’re a home seller that’s preparing for a TISH inspection, you can follow these tips to ensure things go smoothly and to avoid a lengthy repair process:
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Replace: First, ensure you replace or repair common safety features like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
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Repair: Make any minor repairs to the home. You should be sure to focus on common problem areas such as leaky plumbing, gas issues, and water heater problems.
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Reassess: Be prepared to need to make repairs after the TISH inspection is completed.
Call on DMC Home Inspections for Your TISH Report
Deciding to put your home on the market but are unsure where to start? Start with your home inspection!
DMC Home Inspections offers 150 components of safety inspection, including foundation inspection and plumbing inspection. We will inspect your home at your earliest convenience and get you the detailed report the same day we inspect.
Schedule your inspection online today, or give us a call at 612-310-1692!