Generally, the seller of a home has disclosures that they are required by law to make to any prospective buyer. This also applies to the realtor, broker, or any other agent working for the seller to sell the home. Different types of sales, however, may have varying disclosure requirements. Generally speaking, trustee’s sales, probate sales, and foreclosures sales are exempt from the California statutory disclosure requirements. All sales, however, are subject to the disclosure requirements under California common law.
General Statutory Disclosure Requirements in Real Estate Sales
If the seller is being represented by an agent in the transaction, then the agent must ask the seller about the condition of the property and fill out the form accordingly. (Civil Code § 1102.6.) The agent must also complete a reasonable and diligent visual inspection of the property and note on the disclosure form if there are any items for disclosure. (Id.) The seller or the agent can also amend any disclosures in writing. (Civil Code § 1102.9.)