If you’re considering selling your home, you may be wondering how many repairs you’ll have to make to seal the deal. Most home sellers hope to have a low-maintenance sale, while homebuyers are looking for a dream home that's move-in ready. Since a potential buyer can only see what’s in plain view, it's your responsibility to complete a seller’s disclosure statement.

Let’s Be Honest About Seller’s Disclosure

You know your home best—especially if you’ve lived there for a lengthy amount of time. The seller’s disclosure statement simply communicates any known issues to the buyer, and it must be completed honestly, by you, and not your Houston Realtor®.

What Is a Seller’s Disclosure Statement?

It's your duty as the seller to report any problems with the property, to the best of your knowledge, and the statement must be given to the potential buyer. The form will disclose what items need repair, as well as any material improvements that have been made.

If you’re aware of any past events such as floods, fires, or infestations—now is the time to this. There are other issues the report will go over, and they don’t have to be major.

How Does a Seller’s Disclosure Protect the Buyer?

Most home sellers think the disclosure is there to protect the buyer only—when in fact—it’s there to protect the seller, too. Naturally, this statement alerts the buyer to past and potential problems, and allows them to consider the purchase further.

Homebuyers will most likely include an inspection contingency clause in the contract—it’s rare that they don’t—which will allow for an independent home inspection and time for consideration. This will allow them to back out of the sale if there are issues that can’t be corrected or negotiated.

How Does a Seller’s Disclosure Protect the Seller?

The seller’s disclosure statement also protects you, the seller. If you’ve been honest about the condition of the property, any issues that arise later will be documented, and ultimately be the responsibility of the buyer.

If it’s discovered that you failed to disclose an issue, or tried to cover it up—your actions could be considered deceptive or fraudulent—and you could face a lawsuit. You’ll reduce your risk of losing the sale or possible legal action if you’re transparent about issues in the home from the beginning.

Are You Selling a Home in Houston or the Surrounding Areas?

If you’re thinking of selling a home in Houston, Spring, or Cypress, I’d love to help! Call me at 713.818.7765 or contact me online so I can start a strategic marketing plan right away.

While you're here, you can sign up for a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and I can determine the value of your current home.