28% of home buyers nationwide find hidden issues in properties after closing. A third of them blame sellers for not being upfront about them. The last thing you want is to be sued for undisclosed defects. A Washington State seller’s disclosure form is your best defense.
But finding the right disclosure can be tricky, and just one missed issue could cost you a fortune! Houzeo, Washington’s best home-selling website, removes this risk by automatically assigning the right forms for your sale. You can complete them online in just a few steps.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- When to Disclose: Share your Washington seller disclosure form with buyers early on, ideally before offers come in. This builds trust and helps avoid deal delays.
- What to Disclose: List down defects like roof leaks, mold, electrical issues, or legal disputes that impact home value.
- Hidden Problems Count Too: Even if a defect isn’t easy to see, like foundation cracks or water damage, you still have to report it.
- Disclosures Can Save You Thousands: Around 77% of real estate lawsuits are linked to disclosure issues. Being upfront helps you avoid costly legal battles.
What Is a Seller’s Property Disclosure in Washington State?
A seller’s disclosure statement in Washington State is a legal document that details your home’s condition and history. You need to disclose any known flaws that could affect your property’s value. So, if your property has a leaky roof or a termite infestation, you have to mention it in the form.
What Do You Have to Disclose When Selling a House in Washington?
You must disclose any known defects, such as roof damage, water intrusion, or mold issues. Whether you’re selling a house by owner in Washington State or with an agent, be upfront about these problems to avoid legal trouble:
1. Material Defects
- Structure and Appliances: Washington State’s sultry heat can turn your appliances into troublemakers. So, if your HVAC system is on its last leg, be upfront about it.
- Drainage and Flooding: Washington State flood disclosure laws require you to disclose past storm damage, including damage. Do not forget to mention the dates, especially in flood-prone areas like the Spokane River Valley or the Columbia River Basin.
- Plumbing: Be upfront about your home’s water source and any issues with it. Disclose unused wells, tanks, or problems with your sprinkler or plumbing systems.
- Pools and Water Features: Washington State real estate law mandates that all pools built after 2000 meet safety standards, including enclosures and barriers. Make sure your pool complies with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act.
2. Code Violations
- HOA Restrictions and Boundaries: The state law requires homeowners to be members of the HOA. So, you must disclose the HOA fees as well as resale and lease restrictions.
- Government Restrictions: Reveal any violations of zoning rules, construction breaches, safety codes, or restrictions on property additions. Also, disclose any unrecorded liens.
3. Environmental Hazards
- Health and Safety Risks: Housing disclosures require reporting hazards like lead paint and radon. Failure to disclose these risks can lead to serious health consequences and legal liability.
- Infestations: Washington State’s heat loves termites. If they’ve made a meal out of your home, spill the details.
- Sinkholes: Disclose any nearby sinkholes or areas that could swallow your house whole.
- Environmental Damage: If your property has seen storm damage or needed repairs, disclose it. And if you have mangroves or other sensitive areas, make sure to mention them too!
4. Federal Disclosure Requirements
Under the Washington State Home Disclosure Act, you must disclose lead-based paint hazards if your house was built before 1978. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 requires sellers to:
- Disclose any known lead-based paint on the property.
- Include the Lead Warning Statement in the contract.
- Provide an EPA-approved pamphlet on lead hazards.
What Can You Skip Under Washington State Real Estate Disclosure Laws?
Washington State laws on property don’t require you to include specific details in a realty disclosure statement, such as:
- Deaths or suicides on the property, as long as they don’t affect its condition.
- The presence of a registered sex offender in the area (buyers can check public databases).
- Any claims or beliefs that the property is haunted.
- Whether previous occupants had AIDS or HIV.
What Is the Penalty for an Incorrect Washington Home Disclosure?
If you lie or withhold information on your Washington State seller’s disclosure form, you could face severe penalties. These may include one or more of the following:
- Fraud Charges: If you knowingly provide false information or omit material facts, you may be liable for civil fraud. You may have to pay hefty financial penalties, including compensatory and punitive damages.
- Legal Fees: Real estate disclosure laws hold sellers accountable if buyers win a lawsuit. You could owe both damages and the buyer’s legal fees, creating a heavy financial burden.
- Lawsuits for Damages: If you don’t disclose major defects, the buyer can sue you for repair costs. However, they must prove that you knew about the defect and deliberately withheld the information
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How to Minimize Issues in the Washington State Seller’s Disclosure Form?
The number of homes for sale in Washington State is rising, buyers may choose to look for a more suitable house if they find inconsistencies with your disclosure. Here are the tips to save you from any such issues:
- Complete a Pre-Sale Inspection: Get a home inspection and fix what you can. This reduces the number of defects you have to disclose.
- Consult with Professionals: If you’re unsure about the disclosure agreement, consult a real estate attorney in Washington State. They can make your disclosure dilemma disappear.
- Keep All Repair Records: These act as supporting documents to your seller disclosures in real estate. They also prove that you have addressed any known issues.
- Review the Disclosure Carefully: You can compare your forms with the ones offered by top For Sale By Owner site to make sure you didn’t forget anything important.
How Important Is the Seller’s Disclosure Statement in Washington?
A seller disclosure in Washington State is essential for maintaining clarity in your real estate sale. In Washington State’s competitive market, buyers don’t hesitate to ditch properties with hidden flaws. If you’re upfront with disclosures, you ensure transparency and keep the deal moving forward.
Once your disclosures are ready, the next step is listing. With a Washington State Flat Fee MLS listing service, you can get your home on the market quickly while saving thousands in agent fees.
