A woman fell through the attic into the wall space of her home in Houston, Texas in 2015. Her skeletal remains were only recently found. According to Texas law must that be disclosed?
If you’re selling a home in which someone has died do you have to disclose it? Well not in Austin, Texas or anywhere else in the state.
In 2015 a frail elderly lady was working in her attic and apparently the floor gave way. She fell down between the walls, yes between the walls, and died.
It was only recently that her skeletal remains were found.
Texas law states that if someone has died in the home as a result of natural causes, an accident, or even suicide, that unless it affects the condition of the property that death does not have to be disclosed.
But, if you’ve ever had a termite, you must disclose that. Interesting.
Disclosure laws are state-specific. If you are selling your home it’s very important that you understand the law in your state.
The basic premise of disclosure law is that buyers are entitled to know about anything that might materially affect the value of the property. A good question to ask when selling your home is, If I was a buyer would I want to know about this issue.
I’ve heard that 80 percent of lawsuits after the sale stem from the written Sellers Disclosure. If a buyer moves into the home and finds something wrong with it, who are they going to blame? The Seller.
Here in Texas, as an agent, I am not allowed to fill out the Sellers Disclosure. Only the Seller can do that. I can help them understand the questions on the form, but the answers must be their own.
It pays to work with a knowledgeable agent when selling or buying. If you have a question, feel welcome to call me 512-516-4666.
