Seller Disclosures Guide for La Porte Home Sellers 2026
Seller Disclosures Guide for La Porte Home Sellers 2026
Selling your La Porte home? Texas law requires specific disclosures to protect both buyers and sellers. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 disclosure requirements, including updated TREC forms, common mistakes to avoid, and La Porte-specific considerations.
Texas Seller Disclosure Requirements: What La Porte Sellers Must Know
Texas requires sellers of previously occupied single-family residences to provide a Seller's Disclosure Notice (TREC form OP-H) before a buyer enters into a purchase agreement. This is mandated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
Key points:
- Disclosures must include all known defects and conditions of the property
- Sellers may answer 'unknown' if genuinely uncertain about specific property conditions
- Documents must be provided alongside the contract for sale
What Must Be Disclosed
The standard TREC Seller's Disclosure Notice contains the minimum information required by Texas statute for residential property sales. Sellers must disclose:
- Water damage
- Structural issues
- Termite damage
- Asbestos
- Faulty wiring
- Broken appliances
- Past major repairs
- HOA fees and restrictions
- Deed restrictions
- Liens
- Easements
- Code violations
The Complete Seller's Disclosure Checklist for La Porte Homeowners
Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all required disclosures:
Property Condition
- Foundation status
- Roof age and condition
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- HVAC functionality
Environmental Factors
- Flood zone status (critical for La Porte coastal properties)
- Hurricane risk considerations
- Lead-based paint (for pre-1978 homes)
Legal Considerations
- HOA covenants and restrictions
- Special assessments
- Property liens
- Easements
Recent Repairs
- Major renovations
- Insurance claims
- Permit history
Common Disclosure Mistakes La Porte Sellers Make
Many real estate lawsuits are linked to disclosure issues. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Underestimating minor issues: Small problems can become big liabilities if undisclosed
- Forgetting about environmental factors: La Porte's coastal location requires special attention to flood and storm disclosures
- Assuming new construction doesn't need disclosures: Only never-occupied new builds are exempt
- Relying on verbal disclosures: Everything must be in writing
Lead-Based Paint and Environmental Hazard Disclosure
The federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 requires sellers of pre-1978 homes to:
- Disclose lead-based paint hazards
- Provide EPA educational materials
- Allow buyers a 10-day inspection period
For La Porte properties, also consider:
- Flood zone disclosures
- Hurricane risk factors
- Soil conditions that might affect foundations
HOA and Deed Restriction Disclosures
Many La Porte communities have HOAs with specific requirements. You must disclose:
- All HOA fees
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Deed restrictions
- Pending special assessments
2026 Texas Real Estate Professionals Forms Updates
The Texas real estate professionals association implemented 25 total form changes effective January 2026:
- 22 revised forms
- 3 new forms
Key updates include:
- Clarified language about property conditions
- Additional environmental disclosure sections
- Updated lead paint disclosure requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't disclose a known issue?
Failure to disclose known property defects can expose sellers to breach of contract claims, fraud liability, and lawsuits.
Are there any exemptions to disclosure requirements?
Yes, exemptions include:
- Newly built homes never occupied
- Foreclosure/trustee sales
- Transfers between spouses or close relatives
- Court-ordered sales
- Multi-unit residential properties
How far back should I disclose repairs?
Disclose all major repairs and renovations regardless of when they occurred, especially those that could affect the property's value or safety.
Conclusion
Proper disclosure protects both sellers and buyers in La Porte real estate transactions. With the 2026 form updates and Texas-specific requirements, working with an experienced real estate agent like Melissa Weiner ensures you meet all legal obligations while presenting your property in the best light.
Ready to sell your La Porte home with confidence? Contact Melissa today for expert guidance through the disclosure and selling process.
Sources & References
About the Author
Melissa Weiner
Real Estate Agent · Trust Real Estate · Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Melissa Weiner is a dedicated, licensed real estate professional proudly serving clients throughout Texas. Whether you're purchasing your first home, selling a property, upgrading, navigating a lifestyle change, or relocating (military/corporate) with confidence — Melissa combines unwavering integrity, sharp negotiation skills, and exceptional client-focused service to deliver outstanding results.
This article's content is written from publicly available data, market reports, and web-referenced sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication. Information is subject to change daily and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance.
