When preparing to sell your home, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress by having your list of seller disclosures ready for when you accept a buyer’s offer. But what exactly are you required to disclose about your property? What if you don’t know the answer to some of the questions posed on Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement? Listed below are some general guidelines to follow for completing this required form for the sale of your home.
First and foremost, be honest. If you don’t know the details of something, note this on the disclosure form. It may be obvious that an addition was added to your home, but when you bought the house, if there weren’t any details provided about who did the work or exactly what was done, it’s ok, just be sure to communicate this unknown situation to the buyer.
The same applies for what you do know. Did you have to replace the roof or windows? It’s best if you retained copies of the paperwork recording what was done and when. Include as much detail as you can about work you’ve had done on your home, in particular any repairs or updates, and who did the work if possible. If you can’t locate the paperwork, provide information to the best of your recollection and note this on the seller disclosure statement.
In Pennsylvania, the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement focuses on known conditions and issues within a property. The form is designed to help sellers consider the necessary areas around their home and answer applicable questions which will help the buyer know just what they are purchasing. In addition to roof condition, other areas to note include any water damage, use of a sump pump, and any repairs done to amend leaks.
Pests are another big area of concern, you must disclose any past issues and what was done to alleviate them regarding termites and any other pests which can cause damage to your home. The exterior is just as important as the interior, sellers are required to note the condition of driveways, walkways, patios and decks.
The internal workings of your home are also to be included on the seller disclosure statement. What type of heat and air conditioning systems are in use, plumbing pipe materials, as well as any issues with the electrical system should all be noted. If you plan to include any appliances with your sale, you must disclose the current condition of them and if any recent repairs have been made.
Disclosing what you know about your property not only protects the buyer, it protects you the seller, provided you complete the form to the best of your ability. You need to share what you know, but also note what you aren’t sure of about your house. This will help avoid bigger problem of issues coming to light after the sale, which could lead to a costly situation down the road.
Remember, if in doubt, your Realtor® can also help you understand what should be included as a disclosure. Selling your home with confidence is easily done when you work with a Realtor® who can put their expertise to work for you. The Jim Powers Team of local Realtors® is here for you from start to end. Visit our website to learn more, then contact us or give us a call at 717- 417- 4111.