Disclosures and Documents

Seller’s Disclosure

Additional Documents

• Septic System – If you have any type of independent sewer or septic system on your property, you are required to disclose information about the system. Your Realtor can provide this form for you from the Texas Association of Realtors.

• MUD Notice – If your property is located within a Municipal Utility District, you must disclose information about the district to the buyer. This form will vary depending on the location of each district, but you can see an example here: Harris County MUD Notice to Purchaser or Fort Bend County MUD Notice to Purchaser.

• Gas System – If you receive propane gas service to your property, you are required to disclose information about the service. View the form here: Addendum for Property in a Propane Gas System Service Area.   
  

• Lead-Based Paint – If your home was built prior to 1978, you are required to provide a notice of lead based paint, whether it is present on your property or not. View the form here: Addendum for Seller’s Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint.              Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home

• Team Sadler Realtors will provide you with all necessary forms when signing the Listing Agreement.                                       
  

Legal Documents

• Mortgage Information – Gather and review all of your mortgage documents. It’s important to know and understand the condition of your current home loan and can be a huge influence on the asking sale price of your home and whether or not you are in a position to sell. Be proactive and take some time to understand your loan now can save you hassles and headaches that lie ahead.

• Property Taxes – Although the title company will obtain official records of your property taxes, it’s helpful to have this information readily available since potential buyers may ask about taxes and tax rates.

• HOA Information – If your property is governed by a home owner’s association, you should, at a minimum, have the name and contact information of the association readily available. While the title company will order restrictions and a resale certificate from your HOA once you are under contract, it’s a good idea to have a copy of the restrictions before you list the home. Understanding the rules and regulations enforced by the HOA, especially for unique properties, is helpful to the sales process. By providing this information before-hand, your agent will have information readily available to answer questions potential buyers may have, such as whether room addition or a swimming pool is allowed on the property.

• Other Property Restrictions – Even if not governed by an HOA, some properties have additional restrictions. If you are aware of  these possible restrictions, it is important to share them with your Realtor.

Surveys and Audits

• Property Survey – A property survey will show the boundaries of your home and other important details related to the property. If you have made any major changes, like an addition or even a new sidewalk, a new survey may be required. In addition to providing a survey, you will also need to complete the T-47 Residential Real Property Affidavit. It is required that the T-47 document be notarized – this document that tells the home buyer what you know about the home’s boundaries and if any changes have occurred since the previous survey. For example, if you add a patio, you can simply write that you added a 10 x10 patio of of the back of the home.

• You can access the T-47 Residential Property Affidavit online.

• What if The Survey Is Wrong?

• Original Home Appraisal – The original assessment of your home’s value is an important tool in determining the square footage of your home. If the square feet listed on your appraisal is higher than the value listed on the tax records, you may choose to list the higher square footage in the MLS and other marketing materials. If you are unsure of the square footage of your home, for a nominal fee you may opt to have a licensed appraiser come to your home to perform a certified measurement of your home.

Additional Items

• Utility Bills – Home-buyers like to know the utility costs of you home, so it’s helpful to provide copies of your utility bills. If possible, your copies should show 6 to 12 months of payments along with each provider’s name and contact information.

• Top Features of Home – If you have any noteworthy features or upgrades in your home, now is the time to list them! Give your Realtor a list of items that will make your home stand out to potential buyers. Great items to include are a deck additions, new paint, custom cabinets, new flooring, new pool or media room. This is also the time to include any desirable features about your neighborhood, like amenity centers and proximity to local schools or community pool & parks, tennis courts, restaurants and businesses in the area.

• Floor Plan – Having an accurate floor plan of your home is a bonus for potential buyers. It makes a great addition to paper flyers, online listing photos, and virtual tours. If you have a copy of a floor plan from your builder, share it with your Realtor.

• Warranties for Appliances – Providing home-buyers with any warranty information for your home, appliances, and any other items covered will be greatly appreciated by buyers when they move in. Be sure to provide contracts and warranty information for your water heater,  pool, water softener, air conditioner, etc., as well as major upgrades like a new roof. Instruction manuals for appliances, like the microwave, stove or dishwasher, are also helpful.

Questions?