Time of Sale
Program Overview
The City of South St. Paul has a Time-of-Sale Housing Inspection Program. The City Council established this program by ordinance (PDF). This program is intended to enhance the supply of safe housing and prevent the deterioration of the city’s overall housing stock.
Time-of-Sale Evaluation Report
Homeowners preparing to sell their property must have a Time-of-Sale evaluation report available when showing the property. This applies to single-family, two-family, and multiple-family dwellings within the city. Below are the steps to follow when selling your property:
- Choose from the list of City-licensed Housing Evaluators (PDF) and schedule an inspection. Inspection costs are set by individual evaluators. The evaluator follows guidelines (PDF) and completes an inspection form. Once the inspection is complete, the evaluator will leave a copy of the report with the homeowner. This report must be displayed when showing the house for sale.
- Any items marked as “Hazardous” on the report must be fixed before the new homeowner takes possession. Hazardous items are conditions or defects that could cause injury or property damage if not corrected. You may wish to review the list of commonly found hazardous items (PDF) before the evaluator inspects your home.
- The evaluator has 10 days to file the report with the city.
- If hazardous items are listed on the report, the homeowner must hire a licensed housing evaluator for the City of South St. Paul to re-inspect once all hazardous items have been corrected.
- Once the house has been re-inspected, the evaluator will file the updated report with the city. A letter—typically required at closing—will be sent to the homeowner confirming that the hazardous items have been corrected.