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1. How do I sell my home?

If you are selling a residential property in Shaker Heights, you are required to obtain a Point of Sale inspection prior to entering into a contract with a buyer. Prior to transfer, either all violations identified during that inspection must be corrected, or funds equal to 150 percent of the estimated cost of repairs must be placed in an escrow account held by the City. Please view Point of Sale Procedure for more information.

2. What is a Point of Sale inspection?

If you are selling a residential property in Shaker Heights, you are required to obtain a Point of Sale inspection prior to entering into a contract with a buyer. The Point of Sale inspection is an interior and exterior inspection of your property conducted by a certified inspector employed by the City. Please view Point of Sale Procedure for more information.

3. How long will it take to complete a Point of Sale inspection?

On an average size and condition single-family home, the inspection should take between 1½ and 2 hours. The owner, realtor or another adult must be present the entire time the inspector is on the premises.

4. How long is a Point of Sale inspection valid for selling a property?

The Point of Sale inspection is valid for one year from the date of issuance. If, however, within that year the owner corrects all violations and a Certificate of Compliance is issued, that document is valid for one year from the date of the final inspection.

5. Is there a fee for a Point of Sale Inspection?

Yes. View current fees on the Point of Sale Procedure page.

6. What is the length of time between application for a Point of Sale Inspection and the date of the inspection? And, after the inspection is conducted, how long will it take to receive the report?

Sellers are advised to allow at least two weeks from the date of application for the Point of Sale inspection and three to four weeks during the busy spring real estate season. All inspection reports should be issued within 10 days of being turned in for processing. 

In order to allow for sufficient time for the inspection process and to ensure adequate time to correct any violations, property owners are encouraged to obtain a Point of Sale inspection prior to placing their home on the market.

7. What if I would like an earlier Point of Sale inspection date?

Please call the Housing Office at 216-491-1470 and request to be placed on our cancellation list. Provide your phone number and we will call you if there is an opening before your scheduled date.

8. Can a buyer assume Point of Sale violations?

Yes. However, an escrow account must be established and funds equal to 150 percent of the estimated cost of repairs must be deposited. Please see the Point of Sale Fact Sheet (PDF) for specific escrow requirements.

9. What are the escrow requirements for selling a house with outstanding violations?

An escrow account must be established and funds equal to 150 percent of the estimated cost of repairs must be deposited. Please see the Point of Sale Fact Sheet (PDF) for specific escrow requirements.

10. If I get a Point of Sale inspection and then decide not to sell my home, do I still have to correct the violations?

Yes. Once the City has made an inspection and identified code violations, those items must be corrected.

11. How can I get an extension of time to correct violations?

Please use our online form to request an extension. Extensions are usually based on progress made. Therefore, a reinspection may be required before addressing the extension request. The Housing Commissioner will review your situation and respond back to you in writing.

12. How will I know the inspector?

All inspectors wear photo Identification (I.D.) badges on their outer clothing and drive marked City cars. They are required to come to your door and announce their visit before commencing the inspection.