What should you disclose when selling your home?

When selling your home there are certain items you need to disclose to potential buyers. Take a look at some items that you need to tell buyers about, or it could cost you down the line in potential legal fees.

Mold and water damage: Even if water damage has been repaired, it still must be disclosed. You also need to disclose any instances of mold. You should also disclose the cause of the damage and how and when it was repaired.

Termites: You need to disclose any incidents of termites in your home. Even if the home has been treated and the termites are gone, and repairs were already made to the home, new buyers must still be aware as it could impact the value of the house.

Home repairs: You should disclose any repairs you’ve had on your home, including repairs to the roof, plumbing, foundation, and heating and cooling systems. You should disclose any repairs you’re aware of, plus any that were disclosed to you by a previous owner.

Supernatural or criminal past: If your home was the location of a horrific event, like a murder, it must be disclosed. Also, if the property is a well-known home of a ghost or other believed supernatural occurrence, that should also be disclosed.

Lead: Any home built before 1978 must include a disclosure if there is any lead paint in the house. You should provide buyers with a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency pamphlet on how to protect your home from lead. You should also verify to the buyers that all requirements were met to remove or protect from the lead.

For specific rules and questions about what must be disclosed, please talk to your realtor and look at the laws that apply to your particular state and city.