Disclosures, inspections, contracts… it’s a lot. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to know it all

Selling a Home in Lubbock? Disclosures, Inspections, Contracts… It’s a Lot. Here’s What You Actually Have to Do

Thinking About Selling Your Home? Get Ready for the Paper Trail

Putting your home on the market means cleaning the baseboards, maybe replacing a light fixture or two—but behind the scenes?
There’s paperwork.
There are timelines.

What You’re Legally Required to Disclose in Texas

Texas is a full disclosure state, meaning sellers must share everything they know about the property’s condition—no skipping, sugarcoating, or hiding. This is done through a document called the Seller’s Disclosure Notice (usually the Texas REALTORS® version, known as TXR 1406).

Here’s what you must disclose:

1. Structural Components

• Foundation issues (past or present, repaired or unrepaired)

• Roof history (age, leaks, replacements)

• Any cracks, movement, or settling

• Termite or pest damage (even if treated)

2. Systems and Appliances

• HVAC performance and repairs

• Electrical system problems or upgrades

• Plumbing issues like leaks, pipe bursts, or sewer backups

• Water heater condition

• Built-in appliances (stove, oven, dishwasher, etc.) that stay with the house

3. Water and Drainage

• Past flooding (even if not in a FEMA flood zone)

• Drainage problems on or around the lot

• Use of sump pumps, French drains, or other mitigation efforts

• Flood insurance claims, even if fully resolved

4. Environmental Hazards

• Asbestos

• Lead-based paint (required for homes built before 1978)

• Mold

• Radon or methane gas

• Soil contamination or underground storage tanks

5. Repairs and Remodels

• Any repairs made to major systems (foundation, roof, electrical, HVAC)

• Additions or remodels (especially if done without permits)

• Insurance claims for damage—even if fixed

6. Legal and Zoning Info

• Encroachments or boundary disputes

• Easements running through the property

• Code violations

• Pending lawsuits or liens that affect title

• Known zoning restrictions that could impact use

7. HOA and Community Rules

• If you’re in an HOA, you must disclose:

  • The name of the HOA

  • Fees (monthly, quarterly, special assessments)

  • Governing documents (bylaws, CC&Rs)

  • Restrictions that may affect what buyers can do with the home

8. Death on the Property

In Texas, you are NOT required to disclose natural deaths, suicides, or deaths from unrelated accidents.
However, you must disclose deaths related to the condition of the property—such as a fatal carbon monoxide leak, faulty wiring, or structural failure.

9. Occupancy and Usage

• Whether the home is currently occupied by tenants

• Whether you’ve used it as a short-term rental or Airbnb

• If there are any unrecorded leases, verbal agreements, or future commitments

Can You Get Out of Disclosing?

Only in limited cases:

• You’ve never lived in the home (estate sale, investor sale, inherited home, etc.)

• You’re selling to a close relative

• It’s a foreclosure or bankruptcy sale

• It’s a brand-new build from a licensed builder (though they may still need to disclose known defects)

Even then, a disclosure is still recommended—it builds trust and protects you from future claims of misrepresentation.

The Texas Contracts: What You’ll Be Signing

Once a buyer makes an offer and you accept, you’ll sign a Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) contract—this is a standardized form used statewide.

Your contract will spell out:

• Purchase price

• Closing date

• What stays with the house (appliances, fixtures, etc.)

• Earnest money and option period terms

• Who pays for title insurance, survey, and other fees

You may also be responsible for:

• Providing the Seller’s Disclosure Notice within the deadline

• Delivering HOA documents and resale certificates

• Making any agreed-upon repairs after inspections

• Signing the Third Party Financing Addendum if the buyer is financing

• Complying with Title Commitment timelines

If you’re in a neighborhood with an HOA, there may be additional forms (like Subdivision Info Notices and Fees Addenda).

What If a Buyer Backs Out?

Buyers in Texas typically have an option period—a short window (usually 5–10 days) where they can cancel for any reason after reviewing inspections. You don’t get that option fee back.

If they back out after the option period without a valid contractual reason, you could keep their earnest money—but it depends on how the contract is written and what contingencies are in place.

This is why it’s important to have:

• A clear understanding of deadlines

• An agent who knows how to manage the timeline

• A strategy for inspections, repairs, and negotiating

Selling your home isn’t just about listing it and waiting for offers. There’s a process—and sellers who understand it (or hire someone who does) make more money and stress less.

Disclosures, inspections, and contracts?
It is a lot.
But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Ready to Sell in Lubbock?

Let’s make sure everything’s done right from the start—no surprises, no missteps, no missed deadlines.
Get your personalized seller consultation ➜ https://tesstalksrealestate.com/valuationDisclosures, inspections, contracts… it’s a lot.Here’s the good news: you don’t need to know it all