The Seller Property Condition Disclosure Statement, what goes on it, and why more honesty usually makes the sale easier.
Most Nebraska sellers of residential property must give the buyer a Seller Property Condition Disclosure Statement. It asks about known conditions: the roof, basement water, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. You disclose what you actually know. Homes built before 1978 also need a federal lead-based paint disclosure. When in doubt, disclose.
The Nebraska disclosure statement walks through the major parts of the house and asks whether you're aware of problems. Expect questions about the roof, basement and water, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, appliances that stay, environmental concerns, and anything that's been repaired.
Not what you suspect or what a neighbor said. Your actual knowledge.
“Basement seepage in 2021, regraded and added gutters, dry since” is better than “yes.”
Roof, furnace, waterproofing. Paper builds trust.
A new leak after you list needs to be disclosed.
A buyer who learns about a known issue up front prices it in once. A buyer who finds it during the inspection wonders what else you didn't mention, and that's when deals fall apart.
If the form asks about it, answer honestly, and include what was done and when. A repaired issue with receipts reassures buyers more than a surprise does.
Say so. You disclose what you actually know. Don't guess, and don't mark “no” on something you're unsure about.
Some are, such as certain transfers between family members, foreclosures, and estates. Ask a real estate attorney if you think yours qualifies.
No. The disclosure is what the seller knows. The inspection is what a professional finds. Buyers should get both.
Ask me before you sign it. I'll walk through it with you, and tell you when to call an attorney.
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