To Disclose or not to Disclose

To disclose or not to disclose in the world of real estate seller disclosures are your safety net ensuring a smooth and secure transaction and greatly lessening the chances of litigation later down the road. Hi, I'm Amber Johnson with Pillar Real Estate. And today we'll talk about why disclosures are crucial for both buyers and sellers.

First and foremost, I highly recommend going over disclosures with your agent before your home hits the MLS or before buyers start touring your home. Why? Because we want them to have a clear understanding of what they're getting into before they make an offer. This upfront transparency helps prevent buyers from backing out during escrow due to surprises later down the road. In California, we have a wealth of disclosures and they serve as a safety net for everyone involved. From living on a golf course to knowing about sex offenders in your area, it all needs to be disclosed. The good news is that in my decade of selling real estate, I've never faced a lawsuit, which is great for me as well as the clients that I serve. That's how important proper disclosure is. Now, what should you disclose? Well, anything and everything related to your property, particularly material facts affecting the property. If you've made repairs, replacements, modifications, additions or changes, disclose it. If your neighbor's dog barks all day and night, disclose that to the compound of your locker room last year, just disclose it. I often tell my clients if you're unsure whether or not to disclose something, the answer's almost always yes. Over disclosure is far better than under disclosure and can help you avoid legal trouble. Nobody needs that, right? When you disclose everything that you know about your home and its surroundings, you protect yourself from potential legal disputes. Buyers are much less likely to come back later seeking compensation or try to take you to court. Of course, you can only disclose what you're aware of, and that's all that we expect if there are hidden issues. It's up to the buyer to prove that you intentionally withheld information and summary disclosure is key in real estate. It builds trust, it prevents surprises, and it safeguards both buyers and sellers.

So remember when it comes to disclosure. Better to be safe than sorry. Don't worry. I will guide you through the disclosure process when the time comes. I'm Amber Johnson with Pillar real estate here to guide you through a smooth and transparent real estate journey.