Disclose what you know
California places a strong duty on sellers to disclose known facts that affect a property's value or desirability. When in doubt, the safer move is usually to disclose. Your agent can explain the forms, but your answers need to come from you. If you have a legal question, ask a real estate attorney.
The core forms
- Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS). The main questionnaire about the property's condition, systems, and features.
- Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD). A report covering mapped zones such as flood, fire, and earthquake fault areas. A third-party company usually prepares it.
- Seller questionnaire. A supplemental form many transactions use for details the TDS does not cover, like neighborhood noise, past repairs, or insurance claims.
- Lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978, required under federal law.
Condos and planned communities add HOA documents, budgets, and rules. Some areas add local disclosures.
San Diego details to gather
Pull permits for additions, ADUs, and remodels. Note any solar lease or loan, because the buyer may need to assume or the lien may need to be paid off. Collect sewer lateral, roof, and termite reports you already have. Coastal and canyon properties may have geologic or bluff reports worth sharing.
Timing matters
Completing disclosures before or right as you list lets buyers review them before writing, which tends to reduce surprises and renegotiation in escrow. For how buyers read these documents, see the buyer inspection guide.