If you fail or refuse to provide a property disclosure statement, a buyer has the right to revoke the offer any time prior to closing. To make sure that a buyer does not pull out after you have put time, energy, and money towards closing the sale; and to avoid later lawsuits over undisclosed defects; it is important to provide a full and complete disclosure statement.

Oregon Property Disclosure Statement: What You Must Disclose

In Oregon, a seller’s property disclosure statement must be in substantially the same form as and use the language provided by the state legislature in the statute, ORS § 105.464. The form takes the guesswork out of what you must disclose.
The property disclosure statement requires you to answer specific questions regarding the condition of your property, relating to:

• title to the property and existing encumbrances, such as easements and liens
• domestic water sources and irrigation
• sewage disposal
• insulation, including whether there is insulation in the ceiling, walls, and floor
• dwelling structure, including whether the roof leaks and whether any unpermitted additions exist
• dwelling systems and fixtures, such as the electrical and plumbing components of the house
• common interests, like homeowners’ association dues and shared common areas.

For most questions, you will be required to answer “Yes”, “No,” “NTMK,” or in some cases “NA” for “not applicable.” Each answer must be based on your actual knowledge.
Let’s say the question is: Is the outdoor sprinkler system operable? If the sprinkler system is operable without any leak or other problems, the correct answer is more than likely “Yes.” Alternatively, if you have never used the sprinkler system, or have not used it in several years, the proper answer is likely “Unknown.” If you are uncertain, answering “Unknown” is the best answer. Such answer should alert the buyer, if he or she is concerned, to inquire further regarding that issue. And if you have no sprinkler system, you would choose “NA.”
Consider each answer carefully. If unsure how to answer, ask your real estate agent or attorney.

What Is a Material Defect?

The last question in the disclosure statement acts as a “catchall” to make sure all issues that might influence a buyer’s decision to purchase the property are fully disclosed. Specifically, it asks “Are there any other material defects affecting this property or its value that a prospective buyer should know about?”
You must answer “Yes” or “No”. “Unknown” is not an option. If you answer “Yes,” you will need to provide a written explanation.
A material defect is a condition that could have a significant (negative) impact on the value of the property. For instance, toxic mold growing in the crawl space below your kitchen could significantly impact the value of your property. Likewise, a venomous spider infestation might significantly impact the value of your property.
Oftentimes it is unclear whether or not a condition is material. Don’t be afraid to ask your real estate agent or attorney.

For Obvious Defects, Simply Not Knowing Might Not Be Good Enough

Although answers to the questions in the disclosure statement need only be based on your “actual knowledge,” a buyer might not believe that you didn’t know about a particularly obvious defect. If toxic mold is growing under the kitchen sink, smells odd, and is visibly obvious, but you fail to disclose it, a buyer could infer that you knew of the mold, and therefore sue you upon discovering it after the sale.
To avoid such a dispute with a disgruntled buyer, it is worth examining your closets, drawers, and other easily accessible areas of the house for obvious defects. This could be especially prudent if you are selling a house that you have not lived in recently (such as a rental). However, you don’t have an obligation to seek out hidden, unknown defects.

Federal Disclosures: Lead Paint

In addition to state-mandated disclosures, for certain older houses, federal law also requires a lead paint disclosure. (42 U.S. Code § 4852d). If your house was built before 1978, you must provide the buyer both a pamphlet titled “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” and a lead paint disclosure. Additional information and sample forms can be found on the HUD website.

Fully Disclose All Known Defects, Even If the Buyer Retains an Inspector

To protect their investment, buyers may have the house professionally inspected. An inspector will do a thorough examination of the house and likely prepare a written report. However, the inspector can’t see water damage through fresh paint, determine whether underground plumbing is leaking, or otherwise find hidden defects. If an inspector misses a defect you knew about and failed to disclose and perhaps even took steps to hide, you are at risk of being sued.

To Avoid Being Sued, Be Truthful

It is critical to be truthful when making disclosures to home buyers. If you fail to disclose a known defect, the buyer may sue you for fraud. Among other potential remedies, a buyer may seek to rescind the transaction or sue for monetary damages. Defending a lawsuit is stressful, can cost tens of thousands of dollars (or more), and take years to resolve.
Being honest about existing defects on the disclosure statement can result in additional negotiations with the buyer. In most cases, disclosed defects can be worked around. If not, at least you will not be sued by the buyer after he or she discovers the defect! Covering up material defects will likely cost more in the long run.
The bottom line is that an honest and complete disclosure is the best way to avoid defending a lawsuit from a disgruntled buyer. If you have questions about the disclosure statement, ask your real estate agent or attorney