Comprehensive Sellers Disclosure in Florida

The importance of the Sellers Disclosure document in Florida cannot be underestimated. It is helpful for both the buyers and the sellers. Before the owner sells a property, they are needed to disclose authentically and required information about their house in a properly written document. The requirements depend on the state laws and the needs of the buyer.
The homeowners need to take note of it and provide relevant and necessary details about their property and its present condition. Sellers must also know that the intention to hide any important information may result in legal action and they can be convicted of the crime.
Here, we will know comprehensive information about the sellers disclosure Florida.
What is the seller’s disclosure document in Florida?
A Seller’s Disclosure is a legal document that sellers must provide to their prospective buyers. The document contains imperative details about the property’s condition. It needs to contain details that the potential buyers may find unfavorable. To get the form, the seller can contact an agent or real estate attorney.
This document is also called a property disclosure. The Seller’s Disclosure reflects a clear picture of the home and its defects, updates, history, and more to help the buyers make an informed decision. Using this document, they can decide whether to buy the home or not. And the sellers also get benefitted from this Disclosure statement as this paper protects them from getting sued by the buyers, in case they find something unfavorable. As you prepare the form, contact the Companies that buy houses for cash in Florida
What does the Seller’s Disclosure include?
Seller Disclosures list may vary with the state. In Florida, it is an essential part of the home buying and closing process. The disclosures have a standard format that houses several pages and forms. It is a complete guide that the seller needs to cover with the required details or disclosures. Florida law needs the sellers to disclose all the issues that can affect the value of the property.
Most likely, the sellers disclosure Florida form contains the following:
- It contains the complete list of issues that the homeowner needs to check whether they have the same in their home.
- It also contains queries about the home. And the seller needs to answer them with a simple “Yes,” “No” or “Not known”.
- The homeowners may also need to include more explanation about the home issues.
- Information on additional disclosures which may not be in the form.
- A detail of all the appliances that are present in the home.
- You are also required to share all the negative information about your property.
Imperative inclusions
Sellers must disclose a complete list of all of the major repairs done on the property. Though the buyers are not interested in knowing the problems that happened in the past they need to know whether the issue was fixed or not. If it needs maintenance, then that must be included in the document.
Most common issues that need the disclosure in the sellers disclosure Florida include the following:
- Major foundation issues such as cracks and leaks in the foundation.
- Whether there are any assessments or legal actions associated with the property etc.
- Water damage and roof defects
- The buyer also needs to know any fees your HOA needs and if they are payable like limitations on resales or leasing.
- Termite infestation and damage and other infestations. Sellers need to share the presence of pests like termites, fungi, and other kinds of pests. They also need to disclose if they have caused any structural damage and whether you have carried out a pest control treatment in the house recently.
- Sinkholes are quite common in Florida due to the huge amounts of limestone there. So, report the instances of soil movement, insurance claims to repair sink holes, etc.
- Environmental hazards like Asbestos and Lead paint
- Malfunctioning systems like plumbing like drinking water supply source, sewage system, age of your septic tank, etc.
- All electrical issues like malfunctioning switches, electrical system damage, if the property has aluminum wiring, etc.
- Issues with the heating or AC system
- Mold and Wood Rot
- Whether the Windows that are made from insulated glass are cracked or broken. The condition of the home’s doors, windows, locks, etc.
- Disputes related to the property’s boundaries
- Problems with the title to the property.
- If the home is located in a flood zone and whether you have additional flood insurance. As per Section 17, you need to cover boundary issues and shared access areas too.
Other than these, the buyer needs to use their common sense and attempt to examine the property well before getting in touch with the Companies that buy houses for cash in Florida
Florida Sellers Disclosure Rules
As per Florida laws, it is not expected from the sellers to disclose obvious defects like a broken window or a wall hole. The latent defects issues must be disclosed, which cannot be seen in a normal inspection. Florida law does not need the seller to be deeply involved in the exploration of the home and find the defects.
Florida home sellers also do not need to disclose ghosts or death. In states like New York and New Jersey, the residents are needed to include rumored and haunted property. But in Florida, it is not imperative for the residents to disclose if someone has died in that home or murdered, or committed suicide.
Also, unlike other states, Florida does not need a homeowner to disclose a home’s flood history, even though the state is prone to flooding.
As per the sellers disclosure Florida laws, there is a Condo Disclosure Statement too. They necessitate the seller to share a copy of the declaration of the condominium. It must include articles of incorporation, by-laws, rules, financial details, and more. The seller also has to provide a copy of the ‘Governance Form’ including information about the working, responsibilities, and daily affairs of the association.
Why is Sellers Disclosure needed?
This document is essential and serves the following purposes.
Comprehensive information about the property: The disclosures state the defects and issues in the property. It ensures that all the potential buyers and stakeholders involved in the transaction know the property’s history and its correct condition.
Protects Sellers: if you want to sell your house and stay away from the legal issues, then it is best to disclose all the known facts and defects in the house. Then, you need not worry about the problems that happen in the inspection or in the future. The buyer cannot sue you and you remain protected as you fulfill your legal liabilities.
Develops Credibility: Precision and transparency are the key attributes to adhere to while initiating a property transaction. If you clear all the details when selling your house, the buyers will develop a sense of trust and personal touch. It will enhance your credibility as a seller and you have a good reputation in the market.
The information that needs to be presented in the seller’s property disclosure must be the best of your knowledge. You may not need a professional to find and register all of the issues. The disclosures are mostly based on your own experience. But you must be mindful of following all the local, state, and federal laws regarding the disclosures while selling your home. Contact Companies that buy houses for cash in Florida for selling your home quickly and hassle-free.