SCHERERVILLE, IN, Mar 29, 2024—Today, home sellers in most states must fill out a form disclosing material facts about their homes. This type of disclosure, according to Ronald McColly, President/Owner of McColly Real Estate, could protect you from a lawsuit down the line. But what types of information should you disclose - what counts as "material facts"?
"Material facts are details about the home’s condition or legal status, as well as the age of various components," explains McColly. If your state does not require a written disclosure, the local real estate laws probably require sellers to disclose any known problems with the home they are selling.
The following examples include details that would qualify as material facts that must be revealed by sellers about their homes:
- Damage from wood boring insects like termites
- Mold or mildew in the home
- Leaks in the roof or foundation walls
- Amount of property taxes paid annually
- Problems with sewer or septic systems
- Age of shingles and other roof components
- A buried oil tank
- Details about any individual who claims to have an interest in the property
- Information about a structure on the property that overlaps an adjacent property
Of course, not everything needs to be disclosed, such as the seller's personal information, and the seller’s reason for moving. Then, there are factors that straddle the fence as to whether or not they count as "material."
For instance, whether a death took place in the home or whether a home is considered haunted.
"If you're unsure of what facts to disclose, talk to your real estate agent," McColly recommends.
For information on buying or selling a home, please contact McColly Real Estate at marketing@mccolly.com, 219-864-7200, or McColly Real Estate.
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Since 1974, McColly Real Estate has provided superior service by understanding your personal needs whether first time home buyer, resale, commercial, land, new construction or luxury home buyer. From the shores of Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan, to the shores of Lake Street Beach in Chicago, we will find your place to call home. From purchase to financing, to rentals and relocating, we provide full service with you in mind throughout our local communities. As a proud member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network, McColly Real Estate can also find your home nationally and internationally.