Disclose, Disclose, Disclose....Honesty, Honesty, Honesty

Karen,

In my area, The Property Disclosure Statement must be complete and turned in with the listing. It's the law.

With my 30 years of working in people's houses, I can tell you that all houses DO have some defects in them.

Even new houses...

The first year after you buy a house you'll have to spend thousands of dollars to bring the house up to date...

Great post!

I let my sellers know that in the unlikely event that they are going to get sued on a real estate transaction, the Seller's Property Disclosure is going to be the reason why.  If they are 100% open and truthful, they would have nothing to worry about.  "But I fixed it!" is what I always hear.  Fine -- disclosed the previous problem, and the fix you put in place.  Buyers will look at that positively, not negatively!

You hit the nail on the head Karen. Being truthful now, will save money and lawsuits later.

Karen, when I was teaching classes students would ask me, "How will I know what to disclose?" My response was always, "When in doubt disclose." Good Post!

Wow!  I am glad I don't sell in CA!  We have to disclose what we (as Listing REALTORS) know within the four corners of the lot.  Anything outside the four corners is for the buyer to figure out.  I think it would be much easier here. 

Kare, good post

You can always count on the neighbors to fill in the blanks when the new buyers show up to move in.

I'd have a lot to put on my disclosure. 

A rule that I work by; when in doubt, disclose it! This gives all parties involved the opportunity to ask questions.

I've heard people say, if you have to ask if it should be disclosed, then disclose it.

Sweet Karen...I have learned that buyers or renters sue because they don't like surprises.......it is as simple as that. Sometimes I read over my disclosures later on and while they go the distance, you can not ever tell me that I didn't tell you............thank you

I always tell my clients that to disclose is good. Not Bad. A home is like a car, sooner or later you need to replace the tires. Things happen in a home. It is GOOD to show that you have addressed the various issues that need attention during ownership.

I'm with you.  I would rather have more disclosure than less.  Not disclosing is where you'll get into trouble.

It's not even about ethics about morality just pragmatism.

Kind of like lying on a dating website.  If you are short, heavy, tall, thin, bald, have a third eye in the middle of your forehead -  or whatever - don't you think that it's going to be evident when you meet the person in real life? 

#43 Rick: I am still giggling...

Karen: I am with you: Disclose, disclose and disclose!

When in doubt: DISCLOSE and always "cover your butt".

I think most people can deal with what you tell them, they resent finding things on their own.

It is amazing how many sellers are afraid to disclose a problem when they should be afraid not to.

Great post!  Honesty is always the best policy.