Last Updated on January 31, 2019
If the termite problem happened a long time ago and the house has already been treated, then it is necessary to disclose this information and to show the receipts. Most importantly, don’t ever lie about any fresh termite damage because some loaners do some termite inspection, and if there is anything, they will find it…
Remodeling without a permit
There are many communities that require permit regulations, and if any remodeling was done in your home without a permit, then you should talk about it. You probably think that it will be unnoticeable, but not disclosing this little fact will get you busted for sure.
The county Register of Deeds receives reports from your local building authority about construction changes, and if someone notices that the “existing” configuration of your house does not match the description, then you could be sued. In order to be safe from this side, you should disclose it now!
Leaks or any roof damage
It is necessary for some States to disclose knowledge of any past roof damage or leaks, so it is best to let the buyer know the issues rather than hiding it and be exposed after the home inspection.
Of course, the buyer will not pass up on the home deal because you had roof damage in the past, but he/she may rethink everything after discovering that you lied about the condition of the house. There are many cases when the buyers pull out of the contract legally.
Appliance problem
There are many homeowners who choose to sell their appliances with the house or separately, instead of taking them to the new house. So if your intention is to leave the appliances, then disclose minor problems with them because it is not worth lying about their condition, except if they are still under warranty.
In any case, it is best if you sell your house without the appliances, and if the buyer is interested in them, then make sure to explain to them how you can’t guarantee that they are still in working order.
Natural Hazards
If the house you are interested to sell is located near a sinkhole, an earthquake zone, or in any area where forest fires or flooding could occur, then disclosing this information is very important. There are many States that require this disclosure, but even if you don’t live in any of these States, the buyer could later file a claim for misrepresentation against you.
You will end up paying the legal fees of you and the buyer. Plus, fix the damages that the hazards caused. Basically, you will be responsible for everything!
Ongoing disputes
If you had issues with the neighbors about the location of the boundary lines, the position of your fence, or the pruning trees, then it is a good idea to let the potential buyers know about it. These ongoing disputes are annoying and will be a bad start for the new homeowners.
Even if you are not entitled to the law to disclose this issue, but it is nice to give the buyers a heads up. You probably would want the same when it is your turn to buy a new house.
