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What Do Home Sellers Need To Reveal in Disclosures?

 

Going over everything you need to disclose when selling your home, from location-specific information, material defects, and more.



 

Are you selling your home this year? If so, you’ve probably wondered what exactly you need to disclose to potential buyers. Seller disclosures are more important than ever in 2025, and understanding them is key to avoiding legal headaches and closing deals quickly. Transparency isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a necessity if you want to be legally protected. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about seller disclosures to ensure a smooth and successful home sale: 1. Material defects. As a seller, you’re required to disclose any known material defects that could impact your property’s value or safety. This includes issues like foundational cracks, roof leaks, or pest infestations. Even if you’ve repaired these problems, it’s essential to disclose them. Buyers need a full picture of the property’s history so they can make informed decisions. Transparency builds trust with buyers and helps prevent disputes later on. If they discover hidden issues after the sale, it could lead to legal challenges that no one wants.

"The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose." 

2. Repairs and property condition. Whether it’s structural problems, plumbing repairs, or past flooding, sellers must document and disclose these issues even if they’ve already been resolved. Buyers have a right to know what they’re walking into. By being upfront about the property’s condition and repair history, you’re not just protecting yourself from future complications; you’re also showing buyers that you’ve taken proper care of the home. Honesty here can go a long way in building trust and confidence. 3. Environmental and neighborhood factors. Disclosures go beyond your home’s four walls. Sellers are also responsible for sharing information about the surrounding environment. This could include things like being in a flood zone, nearby industrial activity, or contaminated soil. It’s also a good idea to let buyers know about neighborhood-specific concerns. Providing this context allows buyers to make an informed decision and shows that you’re committed to transparency, which can set the tone for a positive and cooperative transaction. The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose. Failing to do so could result in costly legal issues that are both time-consuming and stressful. If you’re unsure about what needs to be disclosed or have other questions about selling your home, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email to make your selling process smooth and stress-free. Transparency is the foundation of a successful sale, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Southern California Housing Market Update for January 2025

 

Going over home prices, interest rates, and what it all means for you.



 

As we start the new year, I start getting questions about whether now is the right moment to enter the market. To answer these questions, today, I’m breaking down the latest stats and info from Southern California’s housing market: Current market supply. Redfin says that the supply of homes nationwide is at its highest level since the pandemic. This is good because we’re getting more active properties on the market. Orange County market data. In our local area, active properties on the market are low, with only 2,694 homes averaging around $2.7 million, but the actual average is closer to $1.4 million. This shows that high-priced homes are affecting the overall numbers. The average days on market have decreased to 30 to 50 days, down from 60 to 70 days a couple of months ago, with an average close price of $1.5 million and a median close price of $1.161 million. Opportunities for home sellers. If you’re considering selling your home, now is a great time due to strong buyer demand. Many pre-approved buyers are ready to buy but can’t find enough homes. Whether you want to leave California, downside, or cash in on your equity built over the last 5 to 25 years, it’s a good moment to list your home.

"Many properties are ready to go and are turnkey—exactly what buyers want." 

If you’re a buyer, we can help you find a property that meets your needs, whether you want a single-level home or something else. Many homes are ready to move in and turnkey, which is exactly what most buyers are looking for. Interest rates and market conditions. In terms of financing, interest rates have decreased and now range from 6% to 7% for VA, FHA, and jumbo loans. We can connect you with great lenders if you need help with financing. For example, in San Clemente, where I’ve lived for many years, there are currently 77 active listings with an average list price of $3.1 million and a median list price of around $1.995 million. This area is in high demand and shows how the market is moving. Why choose us? Last year, First Team Real Estate had the most sales out of all brokerages, with over 2,785 homes sold. We have more than 2,000 agents ready to help you. If you want to get your house sold for the best price in the shortest time and under the best terms possible, please reach out to me via phone, text, or email. My contact details are (619) 379-7664 and kwsmith3443@gmail.com. I’m always here to help.


How Is the Real Estate Market Right Now?




What you need to know about our normalizing real estate market, including home prices, supply, and more.



 

“How is the housing market right now?” I’ve been getting this question a lot recently, and I understand why. This is the time of year when people plan their moves for 2025, but it’s difficult to know what you should do without understanding where the market is at. The truth is that our market can be summed up in one word: Normalization. While the red-hot market of the pandemic is far behind us, the market isn’t heading for a crash anytime soon. Instead, things are balancing out. Here are three things you need to know about our normalizing housing market: 1. Competition is increasing. There are more homes for sale in the U.S. than there have been since before the pandemic. For buyers, this means more options For buyers, this means more options. If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of options, now might be the time to reenter the market. Meanwhile, sellers need to reset expectations about how long it will take to sell. You can still get a great deal in this market, but your home probably won’t fly off the market like it would have a few years ago.

"Prices will increase steadily but slowly in 2025."

2. Prices are increasing slowly but steadily. In most markets around the country, prices are still increasing, although it’s at a modest pace. Redfin expects prices to increase by 4% in 2025, which means sellers need to be careful about not overpricing their properties. Prices are increasing, but buyers are savvy enough to know when a property isn’t worth what you’re asking. Meanwhile, buyers can be confident that they will start building equity as soon as they close. 3. Condition matters. Right now, there is a large gap between homes that need a little work and homes that are in pristine condition. Good-quality homes still sell quickly and for top dollar; they might even create a bidding war among buyers. On the other hand, homes in need of repairs could sit on the market for a long time. Buyers don’t have a ton of extra cash on hand for repairs after closing, so small investments upfront could make it much easier to sell your house. These points are broad strokes that are generally true for most markets across the country. However, you should know that real estate is hyper-local. What’s happening in your neighborhood might not be true for your area in general. If you want to learn more about your local market, call or email me for more details. I’d love to share more information with you.