What You Should Know About Disclosures When Selling

When you sell your home, you want everything to go smoothly from listing to closing. But one step that many sellers underestimate is the importance of property disclosures.

Disclosures are not just paperwork they are an essential part of protecting both you and your buyer. Understanding what they are and how to handle them can help you avoid delays, disputes, and potential legal issues later on.

Let’s take a closer look at what every seller should know before listing their home.

What Are Disclosures?

A disclosure is a document that provides buyers with important information about the property’s condition, history, and any known issues. It gives buyers a clear and honest view of what they are purchasing.

Most states require sellers to share details about things that could affect a home’s value or safety, such as:

Structural problems or foundation repairs
Water damage or leaks
Roof issues or past replacements
Pest or mold problems
Electrical or plumbing concerns
History of flooding or environmental hazards
Property boundary disputes or liens

Each state has its own disclosure laws, so it is important to review your local requirements before listing.

Why Disclosures Matter

Transparency builds trust. Buyers who feel you are being open and honest are more likely to move forward with confidence.

Disclosures also protect you as the seller. If a problem comes up after closing and you have already disclosed it, you are less likely to be held responsible. Failing to disclose something important, however, can lead to disputes or even legal action.

Simply put, being upfront about your property’s condition is both good ethics and good business.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make

Even well-intentioned sellers sometimes make disclosure mistakes. Here are a few to watch for:

1. Forgetting small issues
Minor repairs or past problems might seem unimportant, but they still count as material facts. Always disclose them.

2. Not checking local requirements
Each state’s disclosure laws are different. For example, some require a lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978, while others have special rules for well or septic systems.

3. Leaving sections blank
If a disclosure form asks a question, answer it clearly. Writing “unknown” or skipping a section can raise red flags for buyers.

4. Disclosing verbally instead of in writing
Always document everything. A written disclosure is your record that you were transparent throughout the process.

How to Handle Repairs or Known Issues

If you know about a problem in your home, you have two choices: fix it or disclose it.
For example, if your inspection revealed a leaky faucet or a loose handrail, it is often easier to make the repair before listing. For larger issues, like a roof or foundation problem, disclose it clearly and provide any supporting documents or repair estimates.

Buyers appreciate honesty, and showing that you have already addressed or acknowledged issues builds confidence in your sale.

How to Stay Compliant and Confident

Before you list, take the time to review your property and gather all relevant records. This includes inspection reports, permits for upgrades, and receipts for recent repairs.

At List With Freedom, we help sellers stay organized and compliant by giving them access to the same professional-level tools agents use — all while keeping full control of the sale and avoiding high commissions.

You can also consider reading our guide on How to Prevent Title Issues from Delaying Your Home Sale to learn how documentation and transparency help your transaction stay on track.

Selling With Confidence

Selling your home is a major milestone, and being informed about disclosures helps you protect yourself and your buyer.

When in doubt, disclose it. A buyer who feels informed is more likely to stay committed, and you will avoid unnecessary stress down the road.

With the right preparation and guidance, you can move forward with confidence — knowing your sale is transparent, compliant, and ready for a smooth closing.