Does YOUR city require an inspection before you sell?
Written by Suzy Jedynak
So you want to sell your house? Great! But there are only two communities Downriver that don’t require the seller to order a city inspection (and I’ll give you a hint they are both Townships). When I’m representing a buyer, that’s one of the first things I want to know about a house: what is the status of the city inspection. I don’t want my buyers to fall in love with a house only to find it has six pages of city inspection repairs to be made, and the seller isn’t doing any of it. (And yes, the seller can ask the buyer to make the repairs). And If I’m representing the seller, I want to know if they’ve ordered the city inspection yet. If a seller can complete all the repairs with the city, they will get what’s called a certificate of occupancy or a certificate of compliance, which is given to the buyer at closing. Ideally, the seller will complete the all the repairs. Sometimes, the seller will complete all the violations off the list and will ask the buyer to assume the rest. In some cities the buyer is given six months to complete them and then have a reinspection. And in a few cities (Woodhaven and Taylor) the buyer cannot occupy the home until all the repairs are done and reinspected, unless of course it’s cement that can’t be poured from November until spring etc. In that case they are allowed to move in, but best believe the city will check back in the spring! Most inspections are conducted on the interior and exterior of the home. Southgate and Lincoln Park are exterior only. Your cement better be in tip top shape, because if it’s broken up or has a trip hazard, it will be dinged!
Some cities put a dollar amount (escrow) on the repairs, will hold your money hostage until the repairs are done the escrow funds goes back to the buyer. Know what your city requirement is regarding your municipal inspection! And while we’re at it, let me tell you the importance of hiring an experienced realtor as a seller, as opposed to doing this on your own… When you receive that six page purchase agreement from a random buyer, and in the middle of all that legaleeze, you missed the part that said YOU as the seller are responsible for all city inspection repairs… you had intended the buyer to assume those repairs. Guess what - you signed a binding contract. THAT will keep you up at night. Do yourself a favor and go with a pro - call a realtor, so that you can sleep at night.
The two townships that don’t require inspection before resale? Brownstown and Grosse Ile 😀
Contact me for the latest info about what your city requires!
