California asks sellers to share what they know about the property. Doing it thoroughly and early is one of the best ways to build buyer trust and keep your sale on track.
The core forms
- Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS). Your description of the property's condition and any known items.
- Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ). More detail about the home, the neighborhood and any past work.
- Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD). Ordered from a report company, it shows mapped zones and special taxes.
- Lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
- HOA documents if the home is in an association. Your HOA manager can provide them.
- Compliance statements for items such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and water heater bracing.
Tips for smooth disclosures
1. Start early. Gather permits, receipts and warranties for past work before you list. 2. Be complete and factual. Share what you know. It protects you and reassures buyers. 3. Include permits. Buyers and their lenders appreciate seeing permits for remodels and additions. 4. Ask Rudy. He walks you through each form and provides guidance so you never guess.
Why it helps you
When buyers can see clear information up front, fewer questions come up later, and negotiations stay focused on price and terms.
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a real estate attorney about specific questions.
More in Seller Guides
- Pricing Your Home: Comparable Sales, Appraisals and Online Estimates — How a smart price is set, and how to use online estimates, appraisals and comparable sales together.
- Getting Your Home Ready: What Pays Off — A short, smart to-do list: the improvements, cleaning and staging that help homes shine.
- What You Keep: Costs, Net Proceeds and Tax Basics — The costs of selling, how to estimate your net, and the federal home-sale exclusion explained.
- From Listing to Closing: The Timeline — A typical week-by-week schedule for selling a home, from preparation to closing day.
- Selling and Buying Together: Contingencies, Bridge Options and Rent-Backs — How to coordinate a sale and a purchase so your move fits together smoothly.
- Comparing Offers: Price, Terms and Certainty — How to read offers side by side and pick the one most likely to close on your terms.
- Special Situations: Probate and Trust Sales, Tenants, ADUs and More — Guidance for estate and trust sales, homes with tenants, accessory dwelling units and other special cases.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, rules and limits change, so confirm details with your lender, escrow officer, attorney or tax professional.