What Texas Home Sellers Must Disclose

By Jesse Myles

Originally hailing from Seaside California, Jesse Myles is a 20 year Army veteran, came to the Ft Hood area in 2005 and retired in 2012, Jesse strives for only excellence with his real estate customers.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home in Texas, there’s an important step many sellers overlook until it becomes a problem later. Texas law requires sellers to share specific information about their property, and understanding this upfront can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes once your home is under contract.

Why do disclosures matter? In Texas, most home sellers must complete a Seller’s Disclosure Notice before selling. This form helps buyers understand the home’s condition and history so they can make informed decisions. The goal isn’t to point out flaws or scare buyers. It’s about being clear and honest, so everyone knows what they’re working with. When disclosures are handled properly, they often prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of a deal falling apart late in the process.

What are sellers required to disclose? Sellers are required to disclose any known issues that could affect the home’s value, safety, or function. This includes current problems as well as past issues that have already been repaired. Common examples include:

• Foundation or structural problems
• Roof leaks or past roof damage
• Pest issues such as termites
• Water damage from leaks or flooding
• Problems with heating, cooling, or plumbing systems

If the property has ever experienced flooding or been exposed to significant environmental hazards, that information must also be disclosed. Buyers rely on these details to understand potential risks and future repair costs, making accuracy especially important.

What doesn’t need to be disclosed? Not everything about a home needs to go on the disclosure form. Sellers aren’t required to disclose the price they paid for the property. Minor cosmetic wear, such as scuffed paint or worn carpet, usually doesn’t need to be included.

Personal opinions about neighbors or small neighborhood annoyances also aren’t part of the disclosure requirements. A good rule of thumb is to ask whether the issue would matter to a reasonable buyer. If it doesn’t affect safety or value, it likely doesn’t belong on the form.

How can you prepare before listing? Before listing your home, it helps to walk through the property and think about its full history. Consider any repairs, past damage, or ongoing concerns, even if they seem minor now. When sellers aren’t sure whether something should be disclosed, it’s usually better to include it than leave it out. Taking the time to be thorough up front often prevents delays, renegotiations, or legal issues later.

Clear and honest disclosures build trust with buyers and help create smoother transactions from start to finish. When buyers know what to expect, they’re less likely to walk away or ask for last-minute changes. Understanding your disclosure responsibilities ahead of time puts you in a stronger position and helps make the entire selling process more predictable and less stressful. If you have any questions, feel free to call or text me at 831-402-9572 or email me at jesse.myles3@gmail.com.