If you are in the market for a home, you may have noticed that homes can have things wrong with them. It's difficult for buyers to know the history of a home and what repairs have been made, but that could turn out to be important information for a new owner to have. To find out what buyers are entitled to know about a home that they are planning to buy, read on.

Disclosure Laws

The laws concerning what should be told to buyers can vary by state. That means that you should confirm any issues with your real estate agent who should be well-informed about what you can expect to be told about your house. It should also be noted that not all sellers disclose issues to their real estate agents. However, buyers have a right to know about certain issues and you should certainly ask the agent to ask the sellers about anything that matters to you. For example, even though not all states require disclosures about deaths in homes, some do, and many buyers want to know about this issue. Also, many states don't require any disclosures about the home being used as a meth production facility, but buyers need to know about this issue even if the home has been professionally sanitized.

Common Disclosures to Buyers

As mentioned above, disclosure laws can vary but some issues pop up more than others. The below concerns should have buyers asking questions if they have not already been addressed:

Flooding — Buyers should do some research before they look at a home and find out what the neighborhood's flood zone map looks like. If your home is situated in certain high-probability areas, you might need to purchase flood insurance along with your regular homeowners' insurance policy. You should also ask about any water leaks within the home that might have caused mold growth and damage to the structure. Not all states require sellers to reveal that information to buyers.

Lead — This is the only disclosure that is required in all states. If your home was built prior to 1978, you should be provided with a document concerning the potential presence of lead-based paint.

Miscellaneous — Even though you will probably have a professional inspection performed, ask about any present or past issues with the home's major systems. That includes plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. Find out if the roof and basement leak. Finally, know ahead of time about any neighborhood dues that are required.

Speak to your real estate agent to find out more.

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