Ask Nanci
What is a seller's disclosure and what does it include?
Short Answer
A seller's disclosure is a document where the seller reports what they know about the home's condition, including past problems, repairs, and material defects. In Florida, the disclosure typically covers the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other major systems. It gives you important information before you buy, though it does not replace a professional inspection.
General information, not legal or financial advice.
What the disclosure is
A seller's disclosure is a form the seller completes, reporting what they know about the condition of the home. It is meant to give buyers a picture of known issues before they commit.
It is based on the seller's knowledge and experience of the property, not a professional inspection.
What it typically covers
In Florida, the disclosure commonly asks about the condition of the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other systems, plus past repairs, flooding, and other material issues.
The exact form and requirements depend on the transaction and the contract.
Why it matters to buyers
The disclosure can reveal issues the home's appearance hides, like a history of leaks or an aging system, giving you a chance to ask questions or plan for costs.
It also gives you leverage to negotiate if a disclosed problem is more significant than expected.
Its limits
A disclosure is only as good as the seller's knowledge. It does not replace a professional inspection, which looks at the property directly.
You should still order an inspection and check the items that matter most to you.
How Nanci can help
I review the disclosure with you and help you read between the lines, connecting it to what the inspection and the showing tell us.
You get a full picture of the home before you commit, with no surprises after closing.
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