What are disclosures and why are they so important?

If you're selling your home, disclosures are one of the most important (and often misunderstood) parts of the process. So let’s break it down.

Hi, I’m Brendan Moran with Five Star Real Estate, and I’m here to explain what disclosures are, why they matter, and how to avoid trouble down the road.

What Are Disclosures?

Disclosures are everything you know about your home that, by law, you must share with a potential buyer.

That includes:

  • Repairs you’ve made (like fixing the roof)

  • Ongoing issues (like occasional water under the house)

  • Past damage (even if it was fully repaired—like a car hitting your garage 10 years ago)

  • Nuisances or hazards (like errant golf balls if you live on a course)

In California, the paperwork involved in selling a home is extensive. And that’s why working with an experienced real estate agent—especially one with a solid support team behind them—is crucial. We make sure every “t” is crossed and every “i” is dotted.

Why Are Disclosures So Important?

Because if you don’t disclose something you knew about, and the buyer finds out later, you could wind up in court.

And it happens more often than you think.

Buyers aren’t just buying your house—they’re trusting you. If something goes wrong that they weren’t warned about, even if you didn’t think it was a big deal, it can lead to legal problems.

So if you’re asking yourself, “Should I disclose this?”
The answer is almost always yes.

What Should You Disclose?

You should disclose:

  • Any improvements or replacements (toilets, countertops, appliances, flooring)

  • Past leaks, plumbing issues, or electrical problems—even if they’re fixed

  • Pest problems (termites, rodents, etc.)

  • Renovations or additions (permitted or not)

  • Neighborhood issues (noisy neighbors, HOA disputes, nearby hazards)

  • And even unusual things, like known nearby sex offenders (your agent can help with those legal disclosures)

Basically, if you know about it, disclose it.

Better to Be Honest Than Sorry

Disclosing up front might feel awkward. But the truth is, buyers are far more comfortable when they have all the facts ahead of time. Surprises make people nervous—or worse, litigious.

When you’re honest, you build trust. And when buyers trust you, they’re more likely to move forward with confidence.

We’ve Got You Covered

We know this stuff gets overwhelming. That’s why my team and I handle the details for you—from disclosures to inspections—so you can focus on your next move.

If you're thinking about selling and want to make sure everything is done right (and legally), let’s talk.

I’m Brendan Moran with Five Star Real Estate, and I’m here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

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