Homesellers in some Provinces must disclose all known
defects, including everything from appliances to damage from
fires, floods, or high winds. Owners sometimes hide a
property's flaws because they are worried that the buyer
will back out of the deal or the home will be stigmatized by
a death or a murder that occurred inside. At other times,
they often are unaware of defects or have lived in the
residence so long that they simply do not think to mention
certain flaws.
In response, the Canadian Real Estate
Association urges sellers with disclosure questions to
simply ask themselves, "If I were a buyer, is this something
I would want to know?"
Because buyers and inspectors can miss
problems if they are hidden by furniture or junk,
prospective buyers should request that clutter be removed so
that a second inspection can be performed. Moreover, buyers
should question any potential problems listed on the
Property Information Statement , ask any questions regarding
items not listed, ensure that the form is the most
up-to-date version, hire an inspector who is affiliated with
a trade group, and accompany the inspector during the
inspection. Finally, all needed repairs should be completed
by licensed professionals.
