Seller Disclosure Basics in St. Louis Park

Selling in St. Louis Park and wondering what you are required to share about your home? You are not alone. Clear, complete disclosures protect you, build buyer trust, and keep your sale moving. In this guide, you will learn the basics for 55416, what buyers often ask about locally, and a simple workflow to get it done with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What seller disclosure means

Seller disclosures are the facts you share about your property that could affect value or safety. In Minnesota, you usually complete a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (often called an SPDS). This standardized form asks about structure, utilities, environmental issues, alterations and permits, insurance claims, boundaries or easements, and more.

In 55416, homes range from older to mid-century to newer infill. Many predate 1978, which brings specific federal requirements for lead-based paint. Minnesota’s climate also makes radon and water intrusion frequent buyer concerns. Most homes are on city water and sewer, but if yours has a private well or septic, plan to disclose details and records.

What you must disclose

Federal lead-based paint

If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires you to disclose any known information about lead-based paint and share any records you have. Buyers are typically given the EPA/HUD pamphlet and the option to test for lead within a set period if they ask for it.

Known material facts

You are expected to disclose what you actually know about the property’s condition. This includes structural issues, moisture or water intrusion, mold if known, active pest infestations, major system failures, or hidden defects you are aware of. Full honesty is the foundation of a strong disclosure and helps prevent disputes after closing.

Title and associations

Disclose any easements, encroachments, boundary disputes, restrictive covenants, or leases and tenants in place. If your property is part of an HOA, share rules, fees, and known or pending special assessments. Note any known zoning issues or pending code actions.

Alterations and permits

Call out additions and improvements and whether required permits were obtained. If you know of unpermitted work or missing certificates, disclose that. Prior insurance claims related to the property are important for buyers to understand and can affect future insurability.

Local issues to consider

Buyers in St. Louis Park often focus on a few high-priority topics. Gather records and be ready to disclose:

• Lead-based paint: For most pre-1978 homes, provide the federal disclosure and any available lead inspection or abatement records.
• Radon: Minnesota has elevated radon levels in many areas. If you have prior test results, include them. Many sellers choose to test before listing.
• Water intrusion and basements: Note history of leaks, sump pump usage, repairs, or moisture mitigation.
• Mold and HVAC: Disclose any known remediation, dampness history, or HVAC issues.
• Roof, chimney, insulation: Share the roof’s age if known, any leaks, and whether roofing work had permits.
• Appliances and systems: Provide ages or known conditions for major systems like furnace, water heater, and electrical panel. Call out older wiring types if present.
• Permits and unpermitted work: Highlight basement finishes, additions, or mechanical work that may have required permits.
• Septic or well: Less common in this area, but if applicable, disclose maintenance, inspections, and compliance documents.
• Floodplain and drainage: Share if the property is in a mapped flood area or has a flood or drainage history.
• HOA and assessments: Provide documents and note any known or pending assessments.

Legal risk and protection

Failing to disclose known material defects can lead to claims such as misrepresentation or breach of contract. Buyers may seek repairs, damages, or other remedies. You reduce risk by being transparent and organized.

Keep records that support your disclosures. These include permits, inspection reports, receipts for repairs, insurance claims, and any remediation documents. If new information comes up before closing, update your disclosure promptly.

Simple disclosure workflow

Use this step-by-step process to stay ahead of questions and speed your sale:

1. Gather documents before listing

• Title documents and recent mortgage payoff info.
• Permits and certificates for renovations or additions.
• Service records and warranties for major systems and roof.
• Insurance claim history related to the property.
• HOA documents, if applicable.
• Prior inspection or remediation reports (mold, lead, radon, asbestos).

2. Complete the SPDS

• Answer every question honestly and attach supporting records.
• Note local items such as flood history or rental status.

3. Consider pre-listing inspections and tests

• General home inspection to flag structural or major system issues.
• Radon test, which is common in Minnesota.
• Sewer scope if the home has had backups or there is concern.
• Lead inspection for pre-1978 homes if you want formal test results.

4. Provide required federal notices

• For pre-1978 homes, deliver the lead disclosure and the EPA/HUD pamphlet to buyers.

5. Review local requirements

• Confirm any city or county disclosures, rental registration issues, or septic compliance needs.
• If you are unsure about permits or code questions, check building department records.

6. At marketing and listing

• Share completed disclosures per MLS rules so buyers have clear information.
• If you completed tests, note that results will be provided.

7. When you receive offers

• Provide all disclosure documents promptly.
• Amend disclosures if new information arises before closing.

Smart pre-listing tests

Pre-listing tests can build trust and reduce renegotiations later. They also help you price with confidence.

• Radon: A short-term test is common and expected by many buyers in Minnesota.
• General inspection: A broad check of structure, roof, mechanicals, and safety items.
• Sewer scope: Useful for older homes or if backups have occurred.
• Lead-based paint: For pre-1978 homes, a formal test can clarify conditions beyond the required federal disclosure.

How we can help

You do not have to navigate disclosures alone. Our team pairs local St. Louis Park insight with a process-driven plan to help you prepare, present, and sell with less stress. We guide you through the SPDS, organize records, and coordinate pre-listing inspections so buyers have the facts they need.

With Compass tools, we plan a thoughtful launch that aligns clean disclosures with strong presentation. Our 3-Phased Marketing Strategy and Private Exclusive or Coming Soon options let you test pricing and gauge interest while you finalize documents. If your home needs light improvements before market, Compass Concierge can help you elevate presentation and speed offers.

Ready to sell in 55416 with a clear, confident plan? Connect with John Brekken to get started.

FAQs

Do I have to disclose everything I know about my house?

• Yes, disclose known material facts about the property’s condition, title limitations, and environmental issues. Honesty reduces risk and disputes later.

Does federal lead law apply to my pre-1978 home?

• Yes. You must provide known lead-based paint information, share any records, and deliver the standard lead safety pamphlet to buyers.

What if I do not know about a problem?

• You disclose what you actually know. You are not required to investigate every possibility unless your contract or law imposes extra duties.

Should I get inspections before listing in 55416?

• Many sellers do. Pre-listing inspections, radon tests, and sewer scopes can surface issues early, support pricing, and help you disclose with confidence.

Will detailed disclosures scare buyers away?

• Clear disclosures often build trust and limit surprises. When paired with inspection reports, they can help buyers move forward with fewer questions.

What are commonly missed disclosures in this area?

• Unpermitted work, prior water leaks or sewer backups, previous mold remediation, and insurance claims are often overlooked. Gather records and include them.