What kind of real estate disclosures do you need to make to a buyer when trying to sell real estate? In general, you have an obligation to disclose potential problems and material defects that could affect the value of the property you're trying to sell. In addition, it is considered illegal in most states to deliberately conceal major defects on your property. Several states have disclosure laws requiring property owners to put their real estate disclosures in writing.
In most states, property owners only have to make real estate disclosures for problems they're aware of. That means that you generally don't need to hire a home inspector to inspect your property.Â
Some states, however, have stricter requirements and will identify specific problems that you are responsible to search for (e.g., termite damage, known lead). A few states, like California, have extremely detailed disclosure requirements, so search for the laws in your state and always consider consulting with a lawyer or real estate expert. Always check the real estate laws in your state.
Even though most states don't require it, it can be helpful to hire someone to inspect your property before a sale. If there are problems down the road, you can often rely on the inspector's report in claiming that you didn't know of a problem when you made your real estate disclosures. Inspections can be a double-edged sword, however, since once the inspector brings a problem to your attention, there's a good chance you'll have to make full disclosure of the condition of the property if it could affect its value. Still, there's a strong value in certainty, and getting an inspection can save you from a potential nightmare in the future.
No, you only need to disclose them. You can let someone else deal with the hassle and potential costs of repair. The issues in your disclosures could affect the valuation that a realtor or appraiser places on your property, however, so it may be worth it to make fixes where appropriate.
If the house you are selling was built before 1978, the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 requires you to:
Most states require you to give real estate disclosures in written form, often on special forms that both the buyer and seller must sign and date. Even if your state doesn't require you to, it is still the best practice to make your disclosures in writing and get a signed written statement from the buyers that they received them.
Finally, because of the significant amount of money involved and potential complications, it may be worthwhile to consult with a real estate broker or attorney. In addition, local laws often control the kind of real estate disclosures you need to make, so check your local as well as state laws.
If you're selling a home, you need to make sure you are upfront about certain facts and conditions, such as the presence of termites or water damage to the property. If you have concerns about such disclosures or need additional clarity, you may want to speak with a legal professional. Find a real estate attorney near you to learn more.
