Sundell Realty’s Guide on the Seller Property Disclosure form in PA
by Andrew Sundell
What is a Seller’s Property Disclosure (SPD)?
If you’ve ever bought or sold a home in the past, you’re most likely already familiar with a Seller Property Disclosure. For those of you who are not, I will explain all about why it is important and how it is used.
The “SPD” is a form that home sellers are legally required to provide (in Pennsylvania) and offers valuable information to buyers about the condition of the house and its systems. The SPD is essentially a questionnaire that touches upon various aspects of the home and the seller is expected to answer to the best of their knowledge. Keep in mind that most sellers are not general contractors nor home inspectors, so they may not have an intimate knowledge or understanding about certain systems.
The form is required for all types of homes – whether you live in a condo, apartment, or a detached single-family home. In addition, it is also required whether you use the property as your primary residence or as an investment property.
What Information Does the SPD Provide?
The standard Seller Property Disclosure form, as provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR), is an extensive document that spans 10 pages and has over 100 questions. The questions cover a range of topics about the house. Below is a list of the main hitting points of the form and some sample questions of each:
- Seller’s Expertise – Is the Seller an expert in contracting, engineering, a licensed realtor, or an investor…
- Ownership/Occupancy – How has the owner used the property? Is it a rental property or a primary residence? Were there any pets living in the property?
- Condominiums/Planned Communities/Other Homeowners Associations – What type of house is it and what type of community is it located in? How much are the community fees, what frequency are they paid, and what do they cover?
- Roof and Attic – How old is the roof, has it endured any damage or repairs, and have there ever been any issues with the roof?
- Basement and Crawlspaces – Does the home have a basement or crawlspace? Has there ever been any water leakage or dampness? Has it ever been repaired?
- Termites/Wood-Destroying Insects, Dryrot, Pests – Has the house ever been treated for or had a problem with termites?
- Structural items – Are there any known issues with the home’s foundation? Are all driveways, walkways, or patios structurally sound?
- Additions/Alterations – Have you made any additions or alterations to the property?
- Water Supply – Is it public or private? If private, is it sourced from a well? Has your water ever been tested?
- Sewage System – Is it public or private?
- Plumbing System – What types of materials does your plumbing system utilize? Copper, PVC, PEX?
- Domestic Water Heating – What type of fuel does your water heater run on? How old is your water heater?
- Heating System – What fuel does your system use? How does it heat the home? Forced Hot Air, Hot Water through Radiators, Electric baseboards? When was it installed? Do you have any fireplaces?
- Air Conditioning System – Do you have central air? Or Wall units? When was it installed?
- Electrical System – Does the home’s electrical panel have fuses or circuits breakers? What is the amperage?
- Other Equipment and Appliances – Are there any other appliances that will be sold with the home? Examples include garbage disposal, ceiling fans, Whirlpool Tub, Security System…
- Land/Soils – Are there any past problems with the land the house sits on? Sinkholes, settling, earth movement?
- Flooding, Drainage and Boundaries – Is the property located in a wetlands area? Must you maintain flood insurance? Have there ever been any issues with flooding or drainage?
- Hazardous Substances and Environmental Issues – Does the house have any known issues with Radon gas? Has it ever been tested? Was the house painted with Lead paint? Are there any buried tanks on the property?
- Miscellaneous – Any unpaid HOA or condo fees? Are there any deed restrictions that apply? Have there ever been any insurance claims on the property?
How Is the SPD Beneficial to the Buyer?
The buyer of a home can view the Seller’s Property Disclosure prior to ever even walking through it. Most real estate agents make this form available online with the listing information. Buyers and their agents can use this information to assist in formulating an offer price for the home. Buyers can also check to make sure any listed additions or alterations to the property were properly permitted with the township. Or, they can inquire about any insurance claims that were mentioned.
This form is an unbelievable resource that sellers are obliged to provide. However, as previously mentioned, most sellers are not experts in constructions or related fields so buyers must understand some information may not be entirely accurate. It is up to the buyer and their agent to be diligent and follow up with any questions left unanswered on the form.
A Final Thought
The seller’s property disclosure serves as a form of protection for the homeseller, and serves as a rich source of information for the buyer. It is sometimes utilized by township staff for issuing use and occupancy permits. It is also reviewed by the home inspector when performing their evaluation of the home and its systems. As a seller, it benefits you to be thorough and accurate in your responses…
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