Seller's Property Disclosures have always been a speed bump for agents. While most sellers are willing to disclose all they know about a property, convincing them to write down in plain English the history of a property often becomes a bigger task than it should be.
Here in Arizona, most agents use a standard form called the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS). There is likely an equivalent form in every state or territory across the U.S.
The common practice in Arizona has always been for the agent to print a blank copy of the form, hand it to the seller and ask them to fill it out to the best of their ability. The form is then scanned into an electronic document and distributed to the appropriate parties in the transaction. While the SPDS is not all-encompassing, it does an adequate job of addressing the most common disclosure items.
But using the paper version of the SPDS is not always convenient for the seller or the agent.
When the seller lives in other parts of the country the agent must send the blank form, ask the seller to print the document, fill it out, then scan it back in and send it back to the agent. When it comes to working with older clients the whole process can be confusing.
With younger clients that are used to doing everything online, the process seems antiquated.
Recently a new app has appeared on the scene called Breeze Disclosures. This app allows the seller to populate and sign the most common state disclosure forms online using a computer, tablet, or even a smartphone.
The Arizona Association of Realtors has contracted with the company that offers this app as a free benefit to agents. I expect most state associations will be offering a similar benefit to their agents.
I don’t expect Breeze Disclosures to replace the printed SPDS form in its entirety, but it makes for another good option in the agent's toolbox.
You can find out more from your local Realtor Association or by visiting: https://breeze.skyslope.com/
Joe Domino is a Realtor® serving the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Need more information? Or to Search for your next home, visit www.Scottsdale-AZHomes.com
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