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.
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 easiest way to obtain copes of previous disclosures, if the seller doesn't have them or is unwilling to give you a copy, is to request them from the broker(s) who sold the property previously.
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.
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.
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?
Other required disclosures Beyond the condition of the property and environmental hazards, New York law requires sellers to disclose other pertinent information. This includes any zoning violations, restrictions, and whether the property is in a flood zone.