Thinking about selling your Downtown East condo and wondering if you need a Minneapolis TISH certificate? You are not alone. The rules can feel confusing, especially with different building types downtown. In this guide, you will get a clear answer on when TISH applies, what documents buyers and lenders will expect, and how to prep your condo for a smooth sale. Let’s dive in.
What TISH is in Minneapolis
The Truth in Sale of Housing program is a city inspection program that gives buyers a standardized look at a home’s major systems and obvious safety issues. A certified inspector completes a checklist and, when required, issues a TISH certificate. The results can influence timing, repairs, and negotiations, so understanding the scope is important.
Does TISH apply to your condo resale?
For most individual condo resales in Minneapolis, including Downtown East, a TISH certificate is not required. The city’s program generally targets single family homes, many 2 to 4 unit properties, townhouses, and first time condominium conversions. If you are selling a single unit in an established condominium association, you usually do not need TISH.
There are exceptions. Conversions where a building is being sold as condos for the first time can trigger TISH, and whole building sales are handled differently. Because rules can evolve, verify your situation with the City of Minneapolis Inspections Department, your attorney, or your agent before you list.
What you still need to provide
Even when TISH does not apply, buyers and lenders will expect a complete package of condo and seller disclosures.
Association resale packet
Prepare and order your condo resale packet early. It typically includes:
- Declaration, bylaws, articles, rules, and all amendments.
- Current budget, most recent financials, reserve study if available, and current reserve balance.
- Master insurance summary with deductible levels and proof of any additional policies.
- Recent meeting minutes, often the last 2 to 12 months.
- Any pending or recently approved special assessments and planned capital projects with timelines.
- An estoppel or resale certificate that confirms your unit’s account status, fines, or violations.
- Allocation of common expenses, and details on parking, storage, pet rules, rental restrictions, and occupancy limits.
Seller disclosures
Use the standard Minnesota Seller Property Disclosure Statement. Disclose known material facts such as water intrusion, structural concerns, mechanical issues, and any neighborhood nuisances you are aware of. If your building was built before 1978, provide the federal lead based paint disclosure and the required pamphlet. Consider disclosing known radon test results, and any known issues related to asbestos or mold in older buildings.
Mechanical and building records
Gather service records and ages for in unit HVAC, water heater, and appliances. In high rise buildings, buyers often ask for elevator maintenance history and major system updates. Include warranties if they are transferable.
Pre listing checklist for a smooth sale
- Confirm whether TISH applies to your unit or building. If it does, schedule the inspection early and plan for any repairs.
- Order the association resale packet at or before listing. Management companies can take time to assemble it, and buyers’ lenders often need it early.
- Complete required disclosures, including the Minnesota seller disclosure and the federal lead based paint documents for pre 1978 buildings.
- Consider a private pre listing inspection focused on condo systems. Ask the inspector to review water intrusion risks, balcony conditions, electrical safety devices, smoke and CO detectors, and egress.
- Collect service records and receipts for mechanical systems, appliances, elevators, roof or envelope work, and any capital projects.
- Confirm details for parking or storage, unit access devices, elevator reservations for move out, and any building rules related to short term rentals.
- Be ready to explain special assessments, reserve funding, and upcoming projects in your building. Clarity builds buyer confidence.
- Review master insurance coverage and deductibles, and note any owner responsibilities for deductibles or gaps.
Common buyer focus areas and quick fixes
Water intrusion and exterior envelope
Buyers look for clean, dry interiors and well sealed openings. Address window and balcony sealants, flashing, and caulking. Repair visible water stains, and investigate any moisture to prevent surprises during inspections.
Building systems and safety basics
Show recent HVAC servicing, stable domestic hot water, and documented elevator maintenance in high rises. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install or update GFCI protection in kitchens and baths where needed.
Electrical and plumbing
Fix active leaks, check water pressure, and replace worn fixtures. Ensure sufficient electrical capacity and correct any obvious hazards. If your unit has an individual water heater, note its age and service status.
Unit condition and finishes
Small updates can lift perceived value. Repair damaged flooring, adjust doors and hardware, and tune up cabinetry. Clean appliances and replace filters and bulbs to present a well cared for home.
Association governance and finances
Buyers weigh the association’s health as much as the unit’s condition. Provide clear information on reserves, assessment history, management practices, and any litigation. A complete packet can reduce lender scrutiny and keep your timeline intact.
Timing and workflow tips
Order your resale packet as soon as you are preparing to list. Delays here often slow closings. If your sale involves TISH, book the inspection early to allow for repairs and any re inspection. Confirm lender expectations for building documents, especially for FHA or VA buyers, since those loans can have building eligibility criteria.
Downtown East context to highlight
Downtown East features a mix of newer high rises, converted lofts, and some townhouse style units. Newer buildings may have recent warranties and active governance, while conversions can bring unique maintenance items. Proximity to stadiums and entertainment can affect noise, parking, and event day access, so disclose what you know. Be precise about parking, including whether it is deeded, assigned, rented, or transferable, and outline any associated fees.
Bottom line for sellers
Most individual condo resales in Downtown East do not require a Minneapolis TISH certificate, but first time condo conversions and whole building sales can. Focus your prep on complete disclosures, a thorough association packet, and proactive maintenance. This approach builds buyer trust and helps you keep control of timing and terms.
If you would like tailored guidance for your building and buyer profile, connect with MN Living Real Estate. Our approach is calm, detailed, and designed to move you from listing to closing with confidence.
FAQs
Do I need a TISH certificate to sell my Downtown East condo?
- Most individual condo resales in Minneapolis do not require TISH, but confirm with the City or your advisor in case your sale involves a conversion or whole building transfer.
What documents are in a Minneapolis condo resale packet?
- Expect governing documents, financials and reserves, insurance summary, recent minutes, assessment and project details, and an estoppel or resale certificate for your unit.
How do special assessments impact a Downtown East sale?
- You should disclose pending or approved assessments and explain timelines and budgets, since buyers and lenders closely review these when evaluating risk and affordability.
What disclosures apply to older Downtown East lofts?
- Provide the federal lead based paint disclosure for pre 1978 buildings and disclose known issues such as prior water intrusion, radon results, asbestos, or mold where applicable.
When should I order condo documents for my listing?
- Order as you prepare to list because management firms can take time to assemble packets and buyers’ lenders often need them early in the loan process.
