What does a seller need to disclose?

[Katzloans]

When selling a house, specifically in California, what are you required to disclose to any potential buyers, especially if you're not using a real estate agent? If you know there are issues (such as mold) heating and plumbing and unpermitted additions, are you required to inform the prospective buyer. If you are required to, what are the penalties for failing to disclose this information? Please respond with any sources of information.

P.S. I'm not the seller. :praise:

[Aldo]

Most, if not all, states require sellers to complete a disclosure document which you can get from any realtor and, possibly, online. The forms are very comprehensive and include everything from the things you mentioned to wells or septic systems and underground fuel tanks. The penalty for non-disclosure will depend on local law and the severity of any ommissions, but the penalty isn't the real concern. The biggie is the lawsuit a buyer can file if a known defect was not disclosed.