Washington State Form 17 Withdrawal In San Diego
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FAQ
What You Need to Know about the Washington State Seller Property Disclosure – Form 17. Washington State requires sellers of residential real property to thoroughly disclose material facts on a form called the Residential Real Property Disclosure Statement (often referred to as Form 17).
What Washington Law Requires Home Sellers to Disclose. The history of a concept known as "caveat emptor" (or, "buyer beware") in real estate transactions led many states, including Washington in 1994, to pass laws mandating that sellers provide disclosures about all aspects of the property.
Once again, Washington Courts have confirmed that "buyer beware" is STILL the law in Washington, as seen in the Court of Appeals, Division I's, ruling in Apgood v. Plautz.
The phrase “caveat emptor” is Latin for “let the buyer beware.” Caveat emptor principles are generally still followed today; however, they are subject to exceptions.
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.
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.
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?
You can get the form from a buyer's or seller's agent or real estate attorney. While the disclosure form will vary in format, it may contain the following: List of specific issues the homeowner must check off if the home has them. Questions about the property the seller must answer with “Yes,” “No” or “Unknown”
