Thinking about selling your Greenwood home and not sure what you must disclose? You want a smooth sale and a clear conscience, and the right disclosures help you get both. In Indiana, you are expected to share what you know about your home’s condition, plus a few federal items. This guide breaks down what to disclose, when to deliver it, and the practical steps Greenwood sellers take to protect their sale. Let’s dive in.
Indiana disclosure basics
Indiana sellers must disclose known material defects, including issues a typical buyer would not easily see. You cannot conceal problems or make false statements about the property’s condition. Most local transactions use a Property Condition Disclosure form to capture the details, but your duty to be truthful exists whether or not a form is used.
Federal lead-based paint rules
If your home was built before 1978, you must disclose any known lead-based paint, provide the required federal pamphlet, and include a lead disclosure addendum in the contract. This applies to Indiana homes regardless of other state rules. Keep copies of any prior lead inspections or remediation records and share them with buyers.
How “as-is” really works
Selling as-is limits a buyer’s ability to demand repairs after closing, but it does not remove your duty to disclose known defects. You must still be truthful about material issues and avoid concealment. Treat as-is as a way to set expectations, not a shield against disclosure.
Common exemptions to check
Some transfers, such as those by court order or between co-owners, may be exempt from standard disclosures. The details vary by situation. If you think an exemption might apply, verify it for your specific transaction.
What Greenwood sellers should disclose
Structure and property condition
- Roof age, leaks, prior repairs, and known defects.
- Foundation movement, cracks, water intrusion, or structural repairs.
- Any additions or conversions and whether permits were obtained.
- Drainage concerns, standing water, or chronic basement moisture.
Mechanical systems and utilities
- Age and condition of HVAC, water heater, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Any known code violations or safety issues.
- Utility type: municipal water and sewer or private well/septic. Many homes inside Greenwood city limits are on municipal utilities, while some properties in Johnson County use private systems. Confirm your hookups and share any inspection or maintenance records.
Environmental and health items
- Lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes, including the federal pamphlet and addendum.
- Radon: disclose any known test results and whether a mitigation system is installed.
- Mold or moisture problems and any remediation records.
- Asbestos, underground storage tanks, contaminated soil, or other known environmental issues.
- Pests or wood-destroying organisms, including termite damage or treatment history.
Title, boundaries, and encumbrances
- Known easements, encroachments, or boundary disputes.
- Outstanding tax liens, judgments, or unpaid assessments you know about.
- Special assessments that will affect the buyer.
HOA matters
- Existence of a homeowners association and current dues.
- Recent or pending special assessments.
- Governing documents and any available reserve studies or meeting notes, as requested.
Occupancy and rental details
- If tenant-occupied, disclose lease terms, security deposits, and any active claims.
- Any known issues with habitability or code compliance for rental units.
Permits, violations, and repairs
- Known building-code violations, stop-work orders, or unresolved permits.
- Major repairs or replacements, including receipts and warranties.
- Whether work was permitted and inspected.
Timing and delivery
Share your completed disclosure early, ideally before your home goes live or before buyers write an offer. Purchase contracts in Indiana often make delivery of disclosures a condition of closing and can give buyers remedies if disclosures are late. Keep copies of your forms and supporting documents for your records.
Greenwood seller checklist
Use this step-by-step list to get organized before listing:
- Complete the Indiana Property Condition Disclosure form.
- If built before 1978: provide the federal lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet.
- Gather utility records: water and sewer bills, connection confirmations, or availability letters as applicable.
- Collect HOA documents: CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, dues statements, and special assessment notices.
- Pull permits and approvals for any additions or remodels.
- Compile receipts and warranties for roof, HVAC, water heater, and other major systems.
- Confirm property tax status and any assessments through Johnson County offices.
- Organize any inspection reports you have: radon, sewer scope, septic, termite, structural, or roof.
- Verify and summarize any known environmental issues and past remediation.
- Check FEMA flood zone status and note any flooding history or mitigation systems.
- For rentals: copies of leases, tenant contacts, deposit records, and any related notices.
Local records to check
- Greenwood Building Department for permits and code history.
- Greenwood Utilities or Johnson County utilities for water and sewer status.
- Johnson County Health Department for well and septic records.
- Johnson County Recorder and Assessor for liens, easements, and tax history.
- Johnson County GIS and FEMA resources for floodplain designations.
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Indiana State Department of Health for environmental and radon guidance.
Flooding and radon in Greenwood
Parts of Greenwood and Johnson County are in FEMA-designated flood zones. Even outside mapped areas, some homes experience localized drainage or basement moisture. Disclose any known flooding history or mitigation systems. For radon, Indiana includes areas with elevated potential, so share any test results and mitigation details you know.
Risks of nondisclosure
If you fail to disclose a known material defect, the buyer could seek remedies that may include contract rescission or damages for repair costs. Courts weigh whether you knew of the issue and whether it materially affected value or safety. Outcomes can also depend on the contract terms and the buyer’s opportunity to inspect.
Ways to reduce risk
- Be thorough and transparent. If in doubt, disclose and attach documentation.
- Save and share permits, receipts, inspection reports, remediation records, and warranties.
- Consider pre-listing inspections for roof, pest, radon, HVAC, or septic if relevant.
- Consult an Indiana real estate attorney for complex title, environmental, or permitting issues.
- Work with an experienced broker and a reputable title company for proper searches and insurance.
Selling a rental in Greenwood
If your property is tenant-occupied, disclose lease terms, deposits, and any ongoing claims or notices. Share any known habitability or code issues and how they were addressed. Provide tenants’ contact information and copies of leases as part of a smooth transition.
Ready to list with confidence?
Clear, timely disclosures build buyer trust and help you avoid surprises later. If you want guidance tailored to your home, neighborhood, and timeline, our team is here to help you prepare, price, and present with confidence. Connect with Chaggar & White Realty to request your personalized market consultation.
FAQs
What must Indiana sellers disclose in Greenwood?
- You must disclose known material defects, including hidden issues, using the Property Condition Disclosure form and any required federal items for pre-1978 homes.
Do I have to disclose repairs I already fixed?
- Yes, disclose known past issues and repairs, and include receipts, permits, inspections, or warranties to give buyers context and reduce disputes.
How does an as-is sale affect Indiana disclosures?
- As-is limits post-closing repair demands but does not remove your duty to disclose known defects or protect you from fraud or concealment claims.
Should I disclose radon results in Johnson County?
- Yes, disclose any known radon test results and whether a mitigation system is installed, along with service or maintenance records if available.
Do I need to say if my home is in a flood zone?
- Yes, disclose known flood zone status, any history of flooding, and any mitigation measures such as sump pumps, drains, or flood vents.
What HOA information should Greenwood sellers provide?
- Share the existence of the HOA, current dues, recent or pending special assessments, and governing documents like CC&Rs and bylaws.
What documents should I gather before listing?
- Your disclosure form, lead-based paint documents if applicable, utility and tax records, permits, repair receipts, warranties, inspection reports, and HOA documents.
