Last Updated on January 31, 2019
Selling a house can be a stressful experience, especially if you used to consider that place your home for many years, but that’s okay. Changes have to happen in order to grow to the best version of yourself.
In any case, to seal the deal with the potential buyer, you must show the best quality of the house, but we know that nothing is perfect and the place could have multiple things that need to be fixed.
Most people who are selling their houses try not to mention any of the bad things that buyers should know and must take into consideration, and the reason is to get rid of the house with the best price as soon as possible. Obviously, that’s wrong but there are some specific mistakes about the house that should always be mentioned.
Lead-based paint
Knowing the history of your house is very important, especially if it was built prior to 1978 because then, you will be required to disclose that information according to the federal law, whether you were aware of the lead-based paint or not. However, you will be required to sign a special form if your house is listed with a real estate agent.
If you don’t know then that’s fine because then you will have to check the box that says you are not aware of any lead-based paint. In any case, you will still be required to fill in the form and sign it.
Bats in the belfry
Sellers are required to disclose the presence of pest infestation in most States. The infestation could be bedbugs, bats, or/and mice. If you tried to hide the problem, then you will find yourself face to face with a lawsuit after the new owner finds out the truth about the pest infestation, which is not that hard since bugs will show up one day or another.
The best solution is to bring a professional exterminator, then disclose that you had a pest problem that got completely treated.
Water damage
One of the things that scare house sellers is if the potential buyer finds out about past water damage and run away, which is why they mostly lie about it.
However, lying, or let’s say, hiding your knowledge of past water damage is illegal in most States, but it is not a federal law. So before you step in, make sure to know the laws of your State when it comes to selling a house, then determine which rules apply to you.
A stigmatized house
There are a few states where the seller has to inform the potential buyer if any unpleasant event occurred before in the house, like a murder, suicide, death, or any cult activity.
Even if your state doesn’t require disclosing a stigmatized house, it will still be a good idea to tell the truth. Tricking them into buying the house without mentioning the unsullied records could get you slapped with a lawsuit misrepresentation.
Termite damage
It is very expensive to treat a house from termites, and if the loaner of the potential buyer noticed any fresh termite activity in the house, then he/she may refuse to loan the money until the house is fully treated from any damage.