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Unlocking the Truth: Disclosure Requirements in MA

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Living Real Estate, LLC 9152684

What Every Seller Must Reveal to Close the Deal

 

Introduction

 

Selling your home is exciting, yet it can feel overwhelming with all the rules and regulations. Imagine getting a great offer but then facing delays due to missing disclosures. In Massachusetts, it's essential to understand what disclosures you must provide to buyers. Having that knowledge allows you to approach the sale with confidence and prepares you for a smooth transaction.

 

What Must You Disclose?

 

When selling your home, certain issues are non-negotiable. You need to reveal known defects in the property, such as leaks, mold, or pest infestations. Buyers appreciate transparency, and being upfront can save you headaches down the road. Additionally, if your home has had any significant repairs or renovations, sharing that information helps build trust. Buyers want to know they’re making a sound investment, so being thorough is key.

 

Lead Paint Disclosure

 

If your home was built before 1978, the lead paint disclosure is crucial. Under Massachusetts law, you must inform potential buyers about the presence of lead paint and provide them with the lead-safe brochure. This requirement protects families, especially those with young children. It’s a way to show you care about their well-being.

 

Time to Think About Your Home’s History

 

Every home has a story, including yours. Previous issues like flooding or zoning disputes can affect your sale. Buyers will likely ask about these topics, so being prepared with honest information will make you appear competent and dedicated. Imagine having a conversation with a potential buyer about the great improvements you've made. Sharing your home's journey can make the sale more engaging!

 

Wrap It Up for Success

 

In the end, the goal is to sell your home for top dollar while making the process as smooth as possible. By disclosing necessary information, you foster a positive experience for everyone involved. Open communication assures buyers they’re making a solid decision.

 

By staying informed and being open with buyers, you not only comply with regulations but also position yourself as a reliable seller. That way, you're setting yourself up for success in the competitive Massachusetts real estate market!

 

Don’t let disclosure requirements catch you off guard! If you have questions or need guidance on preparing your home for sale, reach out and get expert assistance today. Selling your home shouldn’t feel daunting; let’s make it an enjoyable journey together!

 

Posted by

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Agent
Certified Listing Expert
Certified Real Estate Negotiator
RESA Certified Home Stager
Professional Real Estate Photographer
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot

Director, National Board of Directors,
Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)



Better Living Real Estate, LLC

15 Wall Street, #9157
Foxborough, MA 02035
O: (888) 877-8300
D: (508) 258-9658

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Comments(9)

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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is important advice to share with home sellers.

I hope you are having a productive week!

Mar 19, 2025 08:26 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you, Roy Kelley! Your encouragement truly brightens my week, and I’m glad to know you found the advice valuable for home sellers. Wishing you a fantastic week ahead as well!

Mar 19, 2025 11:39 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lew Corcoran when it comes to disclosures the safe thing to do is to disclose even if you don't think a disclosure is required.

Mar 19, 2025 09:02 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks, George Souto! Your perspective on erring on the side of caution is a valuable reminder for all of us. Cheers to open conversations and transparency in real estate!

Mar 19, 2025 11:40 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thanks for sharing and enjoy your “Hump Day” Wednesday and have a productive week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Mar 19, 2025 10:06 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you, Bill Salvatore - East Valley! Your positive vibes are just what I needed to push through this Hump Day. Here’s to a productive week for both of us!

Mar 19, 2025 11:41 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Lew and people need to understand that hiding something could come back to bit them in the long run.  I tell my sellers to answer the question honestly to the best of there knowledge.

 

Mar 19, 2025 11:45 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks, @Will! You’ve hit the nail on the head—honesty really is the best policy in real estate. Your perspective is a great reminder that transparency can pave the way for smoother transactions.

Mar 19, 2025 12:58 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Lew, we have those rules on disclosure as well.  Both seller and REALTOR can appear before the judge if you know, but don't disclose.  NOT ME.

Mar 19, 2025 12:16 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks, Joan Cox! Your insights really underscore the importance of sticking to the rules—it’s better to be safe than sorry. I appreciate your commitment to transparency in real estate!

Mar 19, 2025 12:59 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Hey Lew Corcoran . Our MLS was very strict about filling out the Property Condition Statement however I don't think there was every any followup. Speaking from experience: I sold a rental property that had a big history of problems that I disclosed. It sold. 6 months later it sold again and magically the Seller (My buyer when I sold) had no history to disclose even though I gave him and his realtor the extensive list.

Mar 19, 2025 07:00 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you, Bob "RealMan" Timm, for sharing your insights! It’s always eye-opening to hear firsthand experiences with disclosure and how things can sometimes slip through the cracks. Your perspective adds valuable depth to this important conversation!

Mar 20, 2025 03:26 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Lew - being and staying informed about local real estate means ongoing education in the industry.  

Mar 20, 2025 03:01 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks, Michael Jacobs! You're spot on—continuous learning is key in real estate. It’s great to see others committed to staying ahead in such a dynamic field!

Mar 20, 2025 03:27 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Lew... North Carolina's disclosure form recently went from four pages to six pages. I'm of the school of thought that you can't disclose enough if you want to give buyers confidence in the purchase of your home.

Mar 20, 2025 04:47 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you, Nina Hollander, Broker! Your insight highlights the importance of transparency in real estate—more information truly helps build trust with buyers, and it’s refreshing to see someone championing clarity in such a significant transaction. Your perspective adds real depth to the conversation!

Mar 20, 2025 09:02 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Sellers don't enjoy disclosing, but I always make them realize that it is for their own good and will prevent them from being sued, haha.

Mar 20, 2025 05:58 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks for sharing, Brian England! It’s great to see you adding a touch of humor to a serious topic—your approach to guiding sellers definitely makes a difference in navigating those tricky waters!

Mar 20, 2025 09:03 AM