Don't Play Risks With Your Real Estate Deals - When to Disclose an Expense Like a Leaky Roof


Selling your house is a bit like playing a game – you want to reveal just the right amount of information to get potential buyers interested without scaring them off. It's a delicate balance because if you keep important problems, like a leaky roof, under wraps, it might come back to haunt you later on when you're close to sealing the deal. So, let's dive into why being upfront and open about these things is not just a good idea but a crucial part of successfully selling a house.


In the upcoming discussion, we'll unravel the reasons why transparency matters in real estate. We'll explore how sharing essential details, even if they include potential drawbacks, builds trust and sets the stage for a smoother and more successful home sale. Join us as we break down the dos and don'ts of sharing information during the selling process, making it a win-win for both sellers and potential buyers.

The Cost of Non-Disclosure

It's easy to think that if you don't tell potential buyers about an expense like a leaky roof, they won't find out—but chances are they will eventually discover it during the inspection process, and at that point they may have cause to back out of the deal or even sue you for fraud. That's why it's so important that you be up front about any costs that may arise after closing—it not only protects your own interests but also ensures that everyone involved in the transaction has all of the facts and can make the most informed decision possible.

In addition, there is always the possibility that a buyer could threaten legal action if they feel like they were misled or had some kind of financial loss due to non-disclosure on your part. While this scenario is unlikely, it does happen occasionally—and if it does occur, it can mean serious financial repercussions for both parties involved in the sale.


The Benefits of Disclosure

On the flip side, full disclosure can also benefit both parties in a real estate transaction by providing clarity and transparency throughout the process. When everyone knows what expenses are associated with owning a particular piece of property ahead of time (such as replacing an aging roof), then there are no surprises once closing takes place and everyone can move forward knowing exactly where they stand financially.

This helps avoid any potential issues down the road and helps ensure that everyone involved in the sale gets what they expect out of their transaction.

Important issues like leaky roofs should never be hidden from buyers, or else you risk running into issues during closing. Keeping these words of advice in mind will help make selling your home feel like a breeze! Dreaming of selling or buying your next home in San Diego?

I'm here to help guide you every step of the way so you can get the best result for your property transaction. Start achieving your San Diego real estate dreams now and get in touch with me today—let's build that future together!

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Melina Rissone

Having sold properties for more than 17 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers.

  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.
  • Cartus Network Inventory Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist since 2015.
  • RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.
  • SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.
  • Melina is bilingual in English and German.
  • Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.
  • Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.