What is a TISH inspection and do I need it to sell?
TISH is a city housing report that Minneapolis sellers need before a sale. Here is what it is, who orders it, and what to ask your city before you sell.
The short answer
TISH stands for Truth in Sale of Housing. It is a Minneapolis program. If you are selling a house, a duplex or a townhouse there, the city says you need a full evaluation report before you can show the property. The seller schedules it.
Other Twin Cities suburbs have their own versions, and the rules change from city to city. So begin by checking with your city.
What is a TISH evaluation?
A licensed evaluator walks through the house and writes a report. It lists the condition of major parts, such as the roof, the structure, electrical, plumbing and heating. It also points out items the city considers required repairs.
The evaluators are not city employees. They set their own prices, and the seller picks from the city's list of licensed evaluators. The finished report is filed online so the seller and the city can see it. Sellers are also expected to show a copy to people who look at the house.
Who needs a report, and who does not?
The Minneapolis page says only certain property types need the report: houses, duplexes, townhouses, and condos that were just converted from apartments. A few situations skip it. A house that was condemned and then fixed gets a code compliance certificate. A newly built property gets a certificate of occupancy.
The city page we reviewed does not list a general exception for selling to an investor or cash buyer. That does not mean there is none. It means you should ask the city before you assume.
What about suburbs outside Minneapolis?
Some Twin Cities suburbs have time-of-sale or point-of-sale inspection programs. Bloomington and Richfield are examples that have them for many homes. Other cities have dropped their programs over the years.
Because these rules get repealed and rewritten, do not rely on a list you saw online, including this post. Call the city building department, or ask a title company, and get the answer for your address.
A good way to ask is to call and say: I am selling this address, what do I need before I sell or show it? Write down the name of the person you talk to and the date. If the answer comes by email, keep it with your closing papers.
How does this change a direct sale?
Many sellers hear that a direct buyer takes the house as-is and assume the city paperwork goes away. Maybe, maybe not. If your city requires a report before a sale, the sale still has to follow the city rule.
What does change is the repair part. Minneapolis has a form where a buyer can choose to accept responsibility for required repairs. That is a buyer decision, so ask any buyer about it early. A direct buyer who plans to fix the house is often fine with that.
Timing also matters. A report has to be done before showings, so ordering it late can slow you down. If you already know the house has big problems, it can help to get the report early, so nothing surprises you or a buyer.
Should you list or sell directly?
If the house is in decent shape and you have time, listing with an agent can be a good route, and a report can help you spot problems. If the house needs a lot of work and the required repairs would cost more than you want to spend, a direct as-is sale may be easier.
We buy houses as-is, with no repairs, cleaning or staging, and no commissions or fees. We are not agents. Housing rules are legal matters, so talk to a Minnesota real estate attorney about your own sale. Call or text Papa Nick at (763) 878-7272 if you want a straight answer on your house.
Common questions
Who pays for a TISH evaluation?
The seller schedules it, and evaluators set their own prices. Who pays at closing can be negotiated, so ask your title company or attorney. Get the price from the evaluator before you book, because it can differ between licensed companies.
Does a TISH report mean I have to make repairs?
The report lists required repairs, but the city has a form where a buyer can agree to take responsibility for them. Whether that works for your sale depends on the buyer and the city. Ask the city and your attorney.
Do all Twin Cities suburbs require a report before a sale?
No. Some cities have time-of-sale programs and some have dropped them. The rules also change. Check with the building department of the city where the house sits before you list or sign anything.
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