If you’re planning to sell your home in St. Louis Park, MN, it’s important to know that the city requires a housing inspection before the sale can take place. This inspection is necessary to protect the overall housing stock and ensure that there are no unsafe conditions or major deterioration. Before listing your property, you’ll need to apply for a property maintenance inspection permit and schedule the inspection. The property maintenance certificate obtained from the inspection must be presented to the buyer and title company during the closing process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of arranging a housing inspection and provide all the necessary information you need to know as you navigate the process of selling your home in St. Louis Park, MN.
Arranging a Housing Inspection for Selling Your Home in St. Louis Park, MN
If you are selling a home in St. Louis Park, you must arrange for a housing inspection. The city requires property inspections whenever a property is sold or ownership is transferred to protect the community’s overall housing stock and avoid unsafe conditions and major deterioration.
Applying for a Property Maintenance Inspection Permit
Before you list your property for sale, you need to apply for a property maintenance inspection permit, also known as a point of sale permit. This permit ensures that your property meets the city’s property maintenance code. To apply for a permit, you can choose from the following options:
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Online – You can apply for a permit using ePermits, the city’s online portal. Fill out the property maintenance inspection application and submit it electronically.
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Email – You can also apply by sending an email to inspections@stlouisparkmn.gov. Include a completed application and provide your name and phone number for payment.
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In person – If you prefer, you can apply in person at the city hall second floor inspections desk during office hours.
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Fax or mail – If you would like to apply via fax or mail, you can do so by sending the completed application along with payment information to the following address:
City of St. Louis Park Building and Energy Department 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Please note that it is recommended to download and save the application for your records, as it includes an optional digital signature field. If you have any questions about the application process, feel free to contact the building and energy department at 952.924.2588.
Residential Inspection Process
Once you have obtained the property maintenance inspection permit, you can schedule a residential inspection. The inspection typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and appointments are usually available within one to three days.
During the inspection, a city inspector will visit your property to check various aspects, including the siding, roof, garage, and interior, to ensure they comply with the city’s property maintenance code. It is essential to prepare your property for the inspection by addressing any commonly noted property maintenance deficiencies. By proactively addressing these issues, you can increase your chances of passing the inspection.
Housing Inspection Fees
The housing inspection fee covers the initial inspection as well as any required follow-up inspections. The fees vary depending on the type of property:
- Single-family house or townhouse – $260
- Duplex – $360
- Condo – $170
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it is always a good idea to verify the current fees with the building and energy department. The inspection fees are typically collected at the time of application.
Correction Notice and Code Violations
If the inspector identifies any code violations during the inspection, a correction notice will be issued for the necessary repairs. It is important to note that code corrections must meet the requirements in place at the time of the building’s construction. However, if a section of the home was remodeled, the remodeled section must comply with the building code in effect at the time of the remodeling.
In most cases, it is the responsibility of the seller to make the required code corrections. However, buyers have the option to obtain a Temporary Property Maintenance Certificate (TPMC) if they sign an escrow agreement. The TPMC allows buyers to acknowledge the work orders and agree to complete all required code work within 90 days from closing. To obtain a TPMC, buyers and sellers must use the city’s agreement form and pay a $130 fee. The agreement must be prepared at least 48 hours prior to closing and must be signed off by a city representative.
Before the escrow agreement can be approved and issued, all open permits must be closed, and sufficient funds must be put into escrow to cover the cost outlined in the agreement. If you have any questions regarding the TPMC and escrow agreement, please contact the building and energy department at 952.924.2588.
Closing the Escrow Agreement
Once the necessary repairs have been completed, a housing inspector will return to verify that all work meets code requirements. Upon approval, a property maintenance certificate will be issued. The validity of the certificate depends on the type of property:
- Single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes – valid for one year.
- Condominiums – valid for two years.
It is essential to ensure that the property maintenance certificate is presented to the buyer and title company at the closing of the sale.
Verifying Repairs and Issuing the Property Maintenance Certificate
After the repairs have been completed and verified by the housing inspector, a property maintenance certificate will be issued. This certificate serves as proof that the property has passed the required inspections and meets the city’s property maintenance code.
Accessing Inspection Reports
If you would like to obtain a copy of the inspection report, you can do so by contacting the building and energy department at 952.924.2588. The inspection report is considered public information and can be obtained for reference purposes.
Contacting the Building and Energy Department
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the housing inspection process or any other related matters, feel free to contact the building and energy department at 952.924.2588. The knowledgeable staff members will be happy to assist you and provide further guidance.
Arranging a housing inspection when selling your home in St. Louis Park, MN is an important step to ensure public safety and maintain the overall quality of the community’s housing stock. By following the necessary procedures and obtaining the required property maintenance certificate, you can help create a smooth and successful selling process.
