Seller Information

Buying real estate is often the largest financial investment many people make. Whether buying for the first time or selling a family estate, Realtors® take a complicated maze of requirements and, with knowledge of the local real estate market, simplify the process. They also maximize the profit.

Realtors® spend considerable time training in legal issues that affect real estate transactions and negotiating the best possible prices and terms in the contract. They offer professional advice and objective insight into a process that can be very emotional.

On a basic level, Realtors® have a complete list of area homes for sale, as well as all the data buyers need to know; they stay abreast of changing market conditions that can affect local real estate prices. Realtors® can also recommend reliable local lenders, real estate evaluators and insurers to help the transaction process proceed smoothly.

Why a Realtor®?
Realtors® adhere to a strict code of ethics approved by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). The code assumes that people conducting a real estate transaction must adhere to a higher set of standards that those people working in other business arenas. Realtors® are, according to the Realtor® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, “zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling.”

SELLERS DISCLOSURES

What you need to tell potential buyers.

When selling your home, you are obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In most states, it is illegal to fraudulently conceal major physical defects in your property such as the house flooding in heavy rains. States are increasingly requiring sellers to take a pro-active role by making written disclosures on the condition of the property.

Generally, you are responsible for disclosing only information within your personal knowledge, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always have an adequate defense if you are sued over an obvious defect or in cases where the law requires you to determine whether a defect exists.

While it’s not usually required, many sellers hire a general contractor to inspect the property. The information will help you determine what needs repair or replacement and will assist you with preparing any required disclosures. An inspection report is also useful in pricing your house and negotiating with prospective buyers.

If you have a question about whether or not you should disclose something, avoid the potential for liability and tell potential buyers about it. Full disclosure of any property defects found in a home inspection will help protect you from legal problems later, such as buyers who want out of the deal or who claim damages suffered because you carelessly or intentionally withheld information about your property.

Just because you disclose a problem doesn’t mean you must repair or correct it. The disclosed item can become a point of negotiation between you and your buyer.

Most laws mandate disclosures on special disclosure forms the seller must sign and date. Be sure the buyer acknowledges receipt of the disclosures by signing and dating the form as well. If your state doesn’t require a specific disclosure form, be sure the buyer otherwise affirms receipt of your disclosures – in writing.

If you are selling a house built before 1978, you must comply with
Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (U.S.
Code 4852d), also known as Title X. You must:

If you fail to comply with Title X requirements, the buyer can sue
you for triple the amount of damages.

For more information on lead hazards, prevention and disclosures,
contact the National Lead Information Center - by phone at (800)
424-LEAD, or check their website at http://www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm.

Linda Jeffrey - Realtor®

1648 Pt. St. Lucie Blvd.

Pt. St. Lucie, Fl. 34984

772-216-8498 Cell

772-335-1995 Office

772-335-3467 Fax