DISCLOSURE

Once we have an agreed upon offer on a property, the seller will make a number of disclosures to you. These are all required by the state and some are a bit lacking in specific information about the home. There are, however, a couple of disclosures that are very informative.

THE NATURAL HAZARDS DISCLOSURE

The Natural Hazards Disclosure will be provided to you by a third-party company. This report will inform you about the natural hazards of a home or area that may affect this property. It will also give you a good idea as to whether or not you will need to carry flood insurance or additional fire insurance on the home.

THE TRANSFER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND SELLER PROPERTY QUESTIONNAIRE

These documents are filled out directly by the seller. They disclose to you in great detail what the home has and does not have, as well as what things may not be functional. These disclosures could also alert you to possible neighborhood nuisances or other factors of the home that would only be known by the seller. In addition, the SPQ will inform you about a number of things, including modifications the seller has made to the home, past issues and repairs, regular pest services, etc. Regardless of when you receive these documents during the escrow time period, you have 72 hours to cancel the purchase once you are given these disclosures.

Sellers are required to disclose any known issues with a home.

Sellers must disclose known issues with the property, including natural hazards and detailed property information. Buyers have the right to conduct discovery during escrow, hiring inspectors and researching neighborhood aspects. The crucial part of discovery is the home inspection, providing essential information about the property’s condition.

DISCOVERY

Discovery is your right as the buyer to “discover” aspects of the home and factors affecting its value during the escrow time period. This is a weighty responsibility and should not be taken lightly. You will be hiring inspectors to visit the property and provide you with information.

You may also want to:

    • Check the police department website to inquire about crime in the neighborhood.
    • Call the city to learn about what future developments may be occurring in the area.
    • Knock on the doors of your future neighbors to see how they feel about the neighborhood.
    • Visit the area at different times of the day and different days of the week. This will give you a more complete sense of the neighborhood.

The most important aspect of your discovery is the Home Inspection.

The following links will provide valuable information on the home buying process:

    • PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATION – Pre-approval involves a comprehensive review of your financial background by a lender, while pre-qualification is a preliminary assessment based on basic information provided by you.
    • CLOSING COSTS – Closing costs are the fees and expenses associated with finalizing a real estate transaction, typically including loan origination fees, appraisal fees, and title insurance.
    • PROPERTY TAXES – Property taxes are assessed by local governments based on the value of a property and are used to fund public services such as schools, roads, and emergency services.
    • BUYER DO’S AND DON’TS – Advice for buyers on getting pre-approved for a mortgage, researching neighborhoods thoroughly, and more, while covering things to avoid, such as making major purchases before closing and skipping the home inspection.
    • CONSIDER YOUR BUYING OPTIONS – When considering your buying options, Dore and Geoff Baker encourage you to explore different neighborhoods and property types to find the best fit for your needs, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.
    • MAKING AN OFFER – When it comes to making an offer on a home, Dore and Geoff Baker advise careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure you present a compelling offer that aligns with your budget and goals.
    • KEY CONCEPTS – Understanding the key concepts in making an offer on a home, including earnest money, escrow, contingencies, and title insurance, is crucial for a smooth and successful real estate transaction.
    • HOME INSPECTION – Home inspection is a crucial step in making an offer on a home, providing buyers with a detailed assessment of the property’s condition to make an informed decision.
    • CLOSING ON YOUR NEW HOME – The final step in the home buying process, where ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer, and all remaining paperwork and payments are completed.
    • BUYER’S ESCROW PLANNING TIMELINE – Use this chart to draft your buyer’s escrow planning timeline, ensuring you stay on track and meet key deadlines throughout the home buying process.