How Does a Homeowner Prepare to List and Sell a Property?

To prepare for selling a property in Pennsylvania, a seller must comply with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (RESDL), which mandates the completion of a property disclosure statement. This statement must include disclosures about various aspects of the property, such as the seller's expertise in construction-related fields, the last time the property was occupied, and the condition of the roof, basements, crawl spaces, and other structural elements. The disclosure statement must also address issues related to termites, pests, structural problems, additions or remodeling, water and sewage systems, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, and any other equipment or appliances included in the sale.

Additionally, the seller must disclose information about soils, drainage, boundaries, sinkholes, hazardous substances, and any legal issues affecting the title or use of the property. Furthermore, the seller should ensure that the disclosure statement is thorough and accurate, as it is intended to protect the purchaser by providing parity of knowledge regarding any issues with the property. This means that the seller must disclose all known material defects that are not readily observable, which could significantly impact the property's value or pose an unreasonable risk to people on the property.

Finally, the seller should review the listing agreement carefully before execution and ensure that the agent provides a Consumer Notice as required by Pennsylvania's Real Estate Disclosure Act. This notice formally acknowledges the agency relationship and is a crucial step in the process.