Disclosures About Infestations

One common disclosure that you will find in many disclosure statements is one regarding termites. These very destructive insects can ruin a home, so it is imperative that a buyer be aware of their presence.

However, there are not often disclosure statements about other pests like bedbugs. Some areas require a seller to reveal information about bedbugs, only if they are specifically asked. If not, there are often not under any obligation to tell a potential buyer about a bedbug problem.

Also, there are some states where sellers have the option of not filling out a disclosure and paying a penalty instead. This penalty goes to the buyer.

These pests have grown to be more and more of a nuisance in the New York City area over the last few years, but I have not heard a lot about them in our area and I certainly hope not to hear about them.

Verify the disclosure rules and regulations for your area and ask all the questions you feel may be necessary, in addition to obtaining a disclosure statement.