Back HomeWhat Sellers Might Disclose
Most states require a home seller to provide the buyer with some type of disclosure form. What might the seller have to disclose?
A Residential Property Disclosure Form requires the home seller to disclose facts about the home’s heating, wiring or plumbing systems, including any defects that may exist, such as leaks in the roof or cracks in the foundation. If something in your home is not working properly or needs repair, you will need to either fix it or disclose the material defect to the prospective buyer. There are other disclosure forms, unique to each local area, that require sellers to disclose negative environmental factors or local building code issues. A lead-based paint disclosure form is required for homes built prior to 1978.
State legislatures and courts all over the country have passed laws regarding concealing defects from an agent or buyer. Ask your real estate agent about your obligations as a seller regarding disclosure.
