When is a seller required to provide a property condition disclosure report to a buyer?

The requirement for a seller to provide a property condition disclosure report prior to the buyer making a written offer is rooted in the principle of transparency in real estate transactions. This practice aims to ensure that potential buyers have access to essential information regarding the condition of the property before they commit to making an offer.

Providing this report before an offer allows buyers to make informed decisions and assess any potential risks associated with the property. By having the disclosure report in hand, buyers can evaluate whether to proceed with the transaction, negotiate the offer based on the property's condition, or decide to walk away entirely if the disclosure reveals issues that are unacceptable to them.

This requirement also helps to protect sellers by establishing a clear record of the property's condition, which can be beneficial in case any disputes arise later regarding what was disclosed at the time of sale.

In contrast to other choices, requiring the report only when assisted by a licensed real estate licensee limits the transparency that should be afforded to all buyers, while providing it only upon request could lead to situations where potential buyers lack critical information in their decision-making process. Lastly, limiting the requirement to circumstances where the property is in disrepair fails to acknowledge that all properties, regardless of their condition, can have issues that a seller should disclose