What Should I Disclose When Selling My Home in Levittown?
Selling a home in Levittown isn’t just about pricing and marketing — it also comes with legal disclosure responsibilities. Knowing what you’re required to disclose (and what you’re not) helps you avoid surprises, delays, and unnecessary risk during the transaction. With guidance from Eric Berman REALTOR, you can navigate disclosures confidently and keep your sale moving smoothly.
Why Disclosures Matter When Selling in Levittown
Disclosures protect both buyers and sellers. Buyers want transparency, and sellers want protection from future claims. In New York, disclosure rules are specific, and misunderstanding them can create legal or financial issues after closing.
Levittown homes—many built in the late 1940s and 1950s—often have shared characteristics, which makes understanding disclosure requirements especially important.
The New York Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS)
New York requires sellers to either:
Complete the Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS)
orProvide the buyer with a $500 credit at closing
Most Levittown sellers choose the $500 credit to reduce liability. The PCDS requires you to disclose known issues related to the structure, systems, water, pests, and environmental conditions.
Your attorney can advise which option is best for your situation.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Homes Built Before 1978)
Because most Levittown homes were built before 1978, federal law requires a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure.
You must:
Provide the EPA lead pamphlet
Disclose any known lead hazards
Allow buyers the option to conduct a lead inspection
This disclosure is mandatory and must be completed before contract signing.
What You Do Need to Disclose
Sellers must disclose known material defects, meaning issues that could affect the value or safety of the home if a buyer were aware of them.
Examples include:
Past flooding or water intrusion
Roof leaks or structural issues
Foundation problems
Mold or moisture issues
Known electrical or plumbing defects
Illegal or unpermitted work (if known)
Oil tanks (active or abandoned)
If you know about an issue, it’s generally better to disclose it than risk a future claim.
What You Don’t Need to Disclose
New York law does not require sellers to disclose:
Cosmetic flaws
Normal wear and tear
Buyer preferences
Neighborhood rumors
Psychological stigmas (such as deaths in the home)
You also are not required to independently investigate issues you’re unaware of.
Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and Additions
If you’ve made changes to your Levittown home—such as:
Dormers
Extensions
Finished basements
Garage conversions
Decks or sheds
You may need to disclose whether the work was permitted and whether certificates of occupancy (COs) exist.
Missing permits don’t always kill deals, but they should be handled carefully with your attorney and agent.
Disclosures vs. Inspections: What’s the Difference?
Disclosures are about what you know.
Inspections are about what the buyer discovers.
You’re not expected to uncover problems, but if an issue comes up during inspection that you were already aware of, failure to disclose it earlier can create problems.
Transparency often leads to smoother negotiations and fewer delays.
How Eric Berman REALTOR Helps Sellers Navigate Disclosures
Eric works closely with sellers and attorneys to:
Clarify what needs to be disclosed
Reduce legal exposure
Position disclosures in a way that protects your interests
Anticipate buyer questions before they become issues
This proactive approach keeps deals together and reduces stress.
FAQs
1. Do I have to fill out the Property Condition Disclosure Statement in New York?
No. Most sellers choose to give the $500 credit instead, which limits liability. To decide what’s right for you, speak with Eric Berman REALTOR.
2. What happens if I forget to disclose something?
If the issue was unknown, you’re generally protected. If it was known and material, it could create legal risk. For guidance, contact Eric Berman REALTOR.
3. Do I need to disclose old repairs or past issues?
If an issue was fully resolved and no longer affects the home, disclosure may not be required. When in doubt, consult your agent or attorney. You can always check with Eric Berman REALTOR.
4. Are sellers required to disclose unpermitted work in Levittown?
If you’re aware of unpermitted work, it’s best to address it upfront with your attorney. To understand your options, reach out to Eric Berman REALTOR.
5. Can disclosures affect my sale price?
In most cases, transparency builds trust and helps prevent renegotiations later. For strategies that protect your value, connect with Eric Berman REALTOR.
Eric Berman, REALTOR®
Compass Greater NY
917-225-8596
eric@ericbermanre.com
www.theericbermanteam.com
