Almost every U.S. state has passed laws mandating that sellers give buyers specific information about what structural and other features the house contains, and their condition. In some cases, the brokers must speak up about hidden conditions, too.
Sellers must complete a Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), in which they disclose known defects and other pertinent information about the property. Failure to disclose these material facts can lead to legal liability.
The state does not require disclosure of any deaths, including murders or suicide. Do you have to report a death in your home while selling real estate in Washington?
While sellers have always been required to disclose material facts, the Form 17 has been required by law (RCW 64.06. 020) since January 1, 1995. It has undergone ten revisions since its inception, the last of which went into effect in 2021.
A disclosure statement is a financial document given to a participant in a transaction explaining key information in plain language. Disclosure statements for retirement plans must clearly spell out who contributes to the plan, contribution limits, penalties, and tax status.
Sellers must fill out either an unimproved or improved residential real estate disclosure form, which covers various topics about the property's condition. This comprehensive form asks about the state of the home's electrical, plumbing, heating and other systems.
While sellers have always been required to disclose material facts, the Form 17 has been required by law (RCW 64.06. 020) since January 1, 1995. It has undergone ten revisions since its inception, the last of which went into effect in 2021.
In most states, by law, you have to disclose any issues with the property. By not disclosing, you open yourself up to lawsuit.