Before you buy a home in Florida, the owner of the home has to disclose certain things about the property. If the seller fails to tell you something he or she must lawfully disclose and it winds up having a big impact on a home’s condition or value, you may be able to hold the seller accountable.
Per Florida Realtors, the following are some of the things a Florida home seller has to tell you about before the property changes hands.
Material facts
When the current homeowner knows there are issues impacting the value of a property that are not visible to the naked eye, he or she must share them with you. Failing to do so is a violation of disclosure laws.
Radon risks
Radon is a harmful, but potentially dangerous, gas found in many Florida homes. The seller must provide you with a radon gas disclosure before you buy the home.
Pending code enforcement actions
A Florida home seller also has a duty to disclose to you whether there are any code enforcement actions pending against a home you may buy before you complete the sale. The seller must disclose this information in writing and outline the responsibilities that you, the new buyer, assume by moving forward with the purchase. He or she also has an obligation to supply you with copies of the pleadings or other legal documents relating to the action.
Understanding what a Florida home seller must tell you about a property may help put your mind at ease during the home search. However, you may also want to research the things a seller does not have to tell you when selling a residential property.