Why Disclosures Matter When Buying a Home in California

by Paige Hardy Hill

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make - and in California, it comes with a unique set of laws and requirements designed to protect buyers. One of the most important parts of the process is understanding what must be disclosed before you sign on the dotted line.

What Are Home Disclosures?

Disclosures are the seller’s way of telling potential buyers everything they know about the property that could affect its value or desirability. This can include things like:

Roof leaks, foundation issues, or past water damage
Pest problems or mold
Unpermitted additions or repairs
Noise from nearby businesses or traffic
Environmental risks like flood zones, wildfires, or earthquakes

These aren’t just “nice-to-know” details - they’re legally required in California. And for good reason: the more information you have, the more confident and protected you are as a buyer.

Why California Is Different

If you’ve bought a home in another state, you might be surprised by how detailed California’s disclosure process is. Other states might not require sellers to report certain things, but here, the rules are strict - and buyers benefit from that transparency.

That’s why it’s so important to work with a local real estate team that understands the ins and outs of California disclosure laws. You want agents who question everything, double-check documents, and make sure you’re fully informed before making any major decision.

How We Help Our Buyers

When you work with us, you’re not just getting realtors - you’re getting advocates. We take the time to explain every document, review every disclosure, and point out anything that might raise a red flag.

Whether it’s understanding the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) or the Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD), we guide you through it all. And if something doesn’t look right, we don’t hesitate to dig deeper or negotiate repairs or credits on your behalf.

Our goal is to make sure you walk away from closing day feeling confident, informed, and excited - not worried about what you might have missed.

Don’t Go Through It Alone

Buying a home in California doesn’t have to be overwhelming - not when you have the right team by your side. It walks you through the entire process, from first showing to final closing, and helps you know exactly what to expect.

We’re The Hardy Group, your local realtors and community experts. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just starting to explore your options, every step of the way.

📲 Reach out today!

📞 951.465.3054

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