Everything Sellers Should Include in Their Seller's Disclosure

What to Include in a Seller’s Disclosure

You are ready to sell your home. Now it is critical that you accurately portray the details of your property to prospective buyers. When working with Snyder Real Estate Group, your agent will work with you to prepare any disclosures necessary for your home. 


What is a Seller’s Disclosure?

The seller’s disclosure will provide buyers a good overview of the current condition of your property as well as share some pertinent details about the home. Because the disclosure will provide details about the property that may affect the buyer’s decision to purchase your home, it is important to be honest and complete the disclosure as thoroughly as possible.


What is Included in a Seller’s Disclosure?

Key items that will be addressed on the disclosure include all of the major systems of your home and the condition of them. Questions asked should be answered based on if the system is performing the function for which it was intended. You will also have to address components such as zoning, flooding, environmental concerns and if the property is in an area with a homeowner’s association, you will need to answer questions about that.


When Are Additional Disclosures Necessary?

Some properties require additional disclosures based on their characteristics. One of the most common reasons additional disclosures are necessary is when a home was built prior to 1978. Anything built prior to 1978 must include a lead-based paint disclosure. This will require you to make representation about if lead-based paint is present in the property.


Optional Disclosures for Homeowners

While you aren’t legally required to disclose anything about your utility bills, having this information readily available will make things easier when buyers start looking at your home. Seeing your average utility bills is a very common request from a buyer considering your home. Go ahead and provide this information to your real estate agent up front so we can share it with agents as soon as it is requested. 

If you have a floor plan of your home, this is another great resource to provide to prospective buyers. Give this to your REALTOR® if you have one so they may use it in the marketing of your home.

Other items you may want to have available for your home include warranty information for anything in your home that has a warranty, such as heating and cooling systems and appliances. Having some parts of your home be covered under a warranty can give buyer’s additional peace of mind when they are comparing homes and may help your home stand out from its competition.