Posted 3 months ago

What You Must Share Legally When Selling Your House in Moline

If you’re selling a home in Moline, you’re probably wondering what you have to legally disclose to potential buyers. Real estate disclosures can be tricky, but here’s one solid rule to follow: be upfront and honest. Knowing what to disclose not only protects you from legal issues but also builds trust with buyers. And in today’s market, trust goes a long way.

At Heartland Funding Inc., we’ve worked with countless sellers across Illinois, and one of the most common questions we get is, "What exactly do I have to tell the buyer?" Let’s break down the basics of what you must legally disclose when selling your home in Moline.

Why Real Estate Disclosures Matter

Disclosures are not just about being honest. They are required by law and protect everyone involved. When sellers try to hide damage, defects, or major repairs, it often backfires. Buyers may uncover the truth during inspections, or worse, after closing. This can lead to lawsuits, canceled sales, or costly settlements.

When in doubt, share it. If something might affect the value or livability of the property, the buyer has a right to know.

Common Issues You Must Disclose in Moline

Here are some of the most important things you should disclose if you're selling a property in Moline:

Soil and drainage problems: If the land has poor drainage, bad soil, or is prone to flooding, that needs to be shared. It can affect future building and maintenance costs.
Foundation issues: Any cracks, settling problems, or structural concerns must be documented. Even if repaired, disclose it.
Plumbing and water damage: If there are any leaks, sewer problems, or past flooding incidents, let the buyer know. Water damage is expensive to fix and can lead to mold if not addressed properly.
HVAC irregularities: Heating and cooling systems that are faulty, outdated, or inconsistent should be clearly explained.
Pest infestations: Whether it’s termites, rodents, ants, or anything in between, this is a must-know for your buyer.
Roof leaks or damage: Disclose any history of roof problems, especially if repairs were done or if issues still exist.
Lead-based paint: Homes built before 1978 require a mandatory disclosure. This is a federal rule, not just a state one.
Title issues: If there are liens, disputes, or unresolved ownership claims, those must be communicated up front.
Past repairs and insurance claims: Provide documentation of any major repairs or claims made. Buyers want to know what work has been done and how it was handled.
Hazard zones: In some cases, you may also need to disclose if the property is in a flood zone or other natural hazard area.
Crimes on the property: Not all states require this, but it’s a good practice to share if a violent crime occurred on the premises. Think about what you would want to know if the roles were reversed.

Get a Pre-Listing Inspection

One of the smartest things you can do as a seller is order a home inspection before listing. This gives you the chance to fix anything that might become a sticking point later and shows buyers you’re transparent. A clean inspection also gives you more negotiating power since it removes surprises from the process.

Use a Detailed Disclosure Form

Your agent, attorney, or broker should provide a disclosure checklist for Illinois. Don’t just skim it. Fill it out carefully, include notes, and make sure the dates of upgrades or repairs are accurate. The more details you provide, the fewer chances there are for misunderstandings.

Avoid general statements like “no known issues” unless you are absolutely sure. And if you have any doubts about what to include, talk to a lawyer. Your real estate agent may not be qualified or willing to offer legal advice.

Being Honest Protects You

If you’re dishonest on your disclosure forms and the buyer finds out later, you could be held liable for more than just the repair costs. You might have to pay legal fees, damages, or even return the property’s sale price. A few minutes of honesty now can save you thousands later.

In A Rush to Sell Your Home?

At Heartland Funding Inc., we help homeowners across Moline sell with confidence. Whether you want to avoid the hassle of the open market or just need help navigating disclosures, we’re here to help.

Call us at (800) 255-8250 or to fill out the form on our website to get started. We’re happy to walk you through what you need to know to sell your home with peace of mind.