Seller disclosure: Termites & Wood rot

Sellers are required to disclose any material fact they know about their home to a potential buyer. This would include any information the seller would have regarding termites, pests, dry rot or any other wood destroying organism.

The seller should provide the following information:

• Have you discovered termites, wood rot, pest or wood destroying organisms during the time you have owned the home?
• Have you had any treatment or repaired damage caused by any of the above while you have owned the home?
• Is your home under a licensed pest control warranty or bond?
• If you have a warranty or bond, who is it with, is it transferable, is there a fee to transfer and is it a treatment or repair bond?
• Are you in possession of or know of any WDO reports or treatment conducted on the property in the past 5 years?

A buyer should be interested in receiving this type of information from a seller when making the decision to buy the home. At Watson Realty, we require the seller to put what they know in writing whenever possible. This information is then passed on to any interested buyers.

Buying or selling a home is less stressful when the proper disclosures are made in a timely manner. Termite and wood rot disclosures are important disclosures a seller should make to any and all buyers interested in buying their home.

Related Florida real estate views:

Don't let your home become someone's dinner

What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?

Seller home disclosures may need updated prior to selling

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Seller home disclosures may need updated prior to selling

When an agent first meets with a seller and has them sign the listing paperwork, part of the paperwork the seller completes and signs is a “seller property condition disclosure”.

This disclosure alerts potential buyers of repair and maintenance issues affecting the home of which the seller is aware of at the time of the listing. Home buyers should always ask to see the seller disclosures for a property they are considering buying.

Today’s real estate market has created a situation that many agents and sellers need to be mindful of. With the average days on the market extending past 4 months or longer, the home may face new repair or maintenance issues that have developed since the initial listing period.

The seller should acknowledge these new issues in writing. Listing agents should have the sellers update their original disclosure document when conditions within the home change.

Keeping information current and accurate regarding a home is critical as the time a home spends on the market increases. Make sure you have fully disclosed all known defects and issues about your home or property throughout the listing period.


Related Florida real estate views:

I am not going to give my home away!

Realtor and seller obligations under a listing agreement.

Should you buy a home in "as is" condition?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255