The days when a seller could say, "Here's the house, hope you like it," while failing to mention its hidden flaws, dangers, and weak spots, are pretty much over. 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. Many states have created standard forms with which sellers are expected to record and pass this information to buyers. Find out more about your state's rules here.
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Will Our Real Estate Agent Tell Prospective Buyers About Home Defects?
Home sellers have certain disclosure obligations in most U.S. states—but what about their listing broker?
California Brokers Disclosure Requirements on Property Defects to Home Buyers
Real estate brokers in California have similar disclosure obligations to property sellers.
Home Sales in New York: What the Listing Broker Must Disclose
Limits on the confidentiality of listing brokers in New York State means home sellers can't expect brokers to hide material defects in the home or property from buyers.
What Virginia Listing Agents Must Disclose About a Property
Virginia real estate brokers have limited requirements to disclose property defects to buyers. Learn where disclosure is nonetheless required.