Transaction Screen Assessment

Does Your Commercial Real Estate Property Require Additional Environmental Assessment?

Determining where to go next can be a frustrating experience and could increase wait times and your client’s out-of-pocket expenses. A Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) from CREtelligent could be the answer. A TSA is a lower-cost, faster alternative to a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). Ordering a TSA provides a thorough environmental site assessment while ensuring your CRE transaction proceeds smoothly.

What Is a Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) Report?

A Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) is a limited-scope environmental analysis intended to identify Potential Environmental Concerns in general accordance with ASTM Standard Guidance E1528. TSAs are commonly performed for commercial real estate and recommended for commercial properties where few risks from surrounding properties are anticipated.

How Is a TSA Different From a Phase I ESA?

A TSA can satisfy conventional loan requirements, but it does not provide CERCLA protection like its sister report, the Phase I ESA. Unlike a Phase I ESA, a TSA does not require analysis of the historical land use of adjacent properties. For certain properties, these limitations* on the scope of a Phase I ESA strike the perfect balance between the need for rigorous environmental due diligence and the need to keep transaction costs and times down.

*Please note that the TSA does not meet the all-appropriate inquiry requirement of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and is, therefore, not eligible for the liability limitations the Act provides for.

Why Choose a TSA?

TSAs are a strategic first step in environmental due diligence designed specifically for lower-risk commercial properties, delivering essential insight into potential environmental concerns and helping streamline the transaction process with faster turnaround times and reduced costs. They also offer:

When Should You Consider a CREtelligent TSA?

A TSA is ideal when:

• The property has no known history of heavy industrial or high-risk operations
• You require a quick environmental review to meet closing deadlines
• The lender permits ASTM E1528-compliant screening in lieu of a Phase I ESA
• Project or transaction budgets are limited
• You need preliminary insight before determining if a more in-depth report is required

TSA as Part of a Layered Due Diligence Strategy

For many real estate professionals, a TSA serves as the first layer of risk evaluation. If no significant concerns are uncovered, the report can support rapid decision-making. If concerns do arise, the TSA can guide the next steps, such as ordering a Phase I ESA or other site-specific investigations.

This layered approach is efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable to varying levels of environmental risk. By integrating the TSA into your broader due diligence process, you gain flexibility in your strategy while minimizing unnecessary delays or expenditures.

CREtelligent makes this seamless by offering bundled services and continuity across your environmental evaluations—no data gets lost, and every insight builds toward a more complete picture.

FAQs About Transaction Screen Assessments

1. Is a TSA enough to meet lender requirements?

In many low-risk cases, yes. Lenders often accept TSAs for properties with minimal environmental risk when they conform to ASTM E1528.

2. What types of properties are good candidates for a TSA?

Retail spaces, small multifamily units, office buildings, and other non-industrial commercial properties with minimal environmental history are typically good candidates.

3. How fast can I get a TSA report?

Standard TSA reports are typically delivered within 10 to 12 business days. Expedited service is available upon request.

4. Can I convert a TSA into a Phase I ESA later?

Yes. If environmental risks emerge or lender requirements change, CREtelligent can efficiently upgrade your TSA to a Phase I ESA with minimal duplication of effort.

5. Does a TSA protect me from CERCLA liability?

No. A TSA does not fulfill the “all appropriate inquiry” standard under CERCLA. For full liability protection, a Phase I ESA is required.

Ready to Order Your TSA?

CREtelligent simplifies environmental due diligence with our fast, thorough, and cost-effective Transaction Screen Assessments.

Protect your deal. Stay compliant. Move forward with confidence—contact us online or call 866-941-6813 to speak with a due diligence expert and order your TSA today.