WHAT IS A TISH?

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.

A TISH evaluation, also known as a Point of Sale inspection, is basically a condensed version of a home inspection where a licensed TISH evaluator conducts an evaluation of a home in accordance with a set of standards that have been set forth by the city. Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and nine other larger inner-ring cities here in the Twin Cities require TISH evaluations on homes before they can even be listed for sale.

The purpose of Truth in Sale of Housing inspections is to add transparency to the home buying process, and identify risks to life and/or health. 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.

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. 

  • 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.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR A TRUTH IN SALE OF HOUSING (TISH) INSPECTION

There are many quick and inexpensive repairs that could be done prior to a TISH inspection, saving you from negotiating more costly repairs later.

The 3 Most Common Repairs

  • Missing or inoperable Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Missing Backflow Preventer 

  • Leaky Plumbing

    • TIP: To check for leaks, fill up a sink or tub, pull out the stopper. Watch pipes to make sure you don’t have any plumbing issues. Do this for all sinks and tubs, including laundry sinks or industrial tubs. If a pipe is leaking just a little bit, you may be able to tighten it with a wrench.

CLICK HERE FOR TIPS ON MAKING THE RIGHT COSMETIC UPDATES FOR YOUR HOME!

Other Required & Commonly Recommended Repairs

  • Electrical Items

  • Gas Piping

  • Furnace/Boilers

  • Gas Appliance Venting

  • Water Heaters

  • Gas Clothes Dryers

  • Fire Separation at Garage

CITIES THAT REQUIRE A TISH

Note about Minneapolis TISH Inspections

Note that since January 15, 2020, the City of Minneapolis is including a new energy disclosure report in the Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) program. The two-page ‘Asset-Based Energy Efficiency’ report is part of the set of returned documents from the TISH inspection. The energy disclosure report is based on four criteria: attic insulation, wall insulation, heating system, and window efficiency. Using these criteria, homes are rated on a 0 to 100-point scale with 100 being the best. The report also prioritizes recommended improvements based on a maximum 10-year window of return on investment. No repairs will be required. Take a look here to see if your home is energy efficient.


Questions or looking for a TISH inspector? Give us a call today! For tons more information on selling your home, click here!