Whether you have lived in your home for 6 months or 6 years, no one knows your home and all its unique feature quite like you do. When making the decision to sell your home in Santa Clarita, one of the major questions we receive is “What should I disclose to potential buyers in Santa Clarita?” No one likes to get the short end of the stick when it comes to buying a home, car, or much of anything else. So, generally we suggest it is better to over disclose that to omit any pertinent information. This can protect you from problems arising and/or lawsuits once your home is under contract, after inspections, and even years after you have sold your home.
Federal Disclosures
Almost all disclosures are determined at state level with the exception of one. If a property was built before 1978 it may contain lead paint. If a property was built before then a disclosure is completed, and a Lead Based Paint Test is within a Buyers right to be completed. If it was built after, this will be a non issue.
State Disclosures
Local state disclosures change frequently, so it is important to work with a Real Estate Agent/ Transaction Coordinator who are on top of the requirements for the area you are looking to purchase in. Generally, a seller will be required to complete a few major disclosures. The first being a Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS). This document addresses anything a Seller may be aware of, such as, what is featured on the property, if the property has any defects, or if your located in a flood zone. The next disclosure is the Seller Property Quesitionnaire (SPQ). This disclosure goes into detail about the property, such as, any defects there may be, any upgrades or repairs that have been made, if any insurance claims have been made on the property, any title issues, the type of property you are buying, and any issues that may be in the neighborhood. When answering, if yes, is marked on any item, you must further explain that item in the space provided.
Santa Clarita Disclosures
Every brokerage in Santa Clarita are different. Some require specific forms to be completed for each transaction. Here at RE/MAX of Santa Clarita we require a few other disclosures to be completed for each file. One in Santa Clarita Area Disclosure which begin with the Seller answering a few basic questions about the mailbox, parking, etc. Followed by information relevant to the Santa Clarita Valley. Another disclosure we have at RE/MAX is the Sellers Common Interest and HOA disclosure (SRHOA) which goes into detail about the HOA in your community if applicable. Lastly, RE/MAX requires a CLUE Report to be provided by the Seller. A CLUE Report can be obtained through your insurance agent, and lets the buyers know if any insurance claims on the property.
In short, disclose, disclose, disclose! It is better for both you Seller, and Buyer. If you are considering selling your home this year, we would love the opportunity to go to work for you! You can contact us here, or reach us at 661-373-2374.
