DISCLOSURES

Sellers are responsible for disclosing the known conditions of a property to the buyer. Though it is possible that a buyer would accept a known problem with the property "as is," it is not legally assumed that the buyer is responsible for determining the property's condition.

Civil Codes require that the seller provide the buyer with a "Real Estate Disclosure Statement" which should note any known problems with the property. It is assumed that unless noted, the property up for purchase is in a functional "all systems go" state: that heaters heat, roof protects from water, etc.

An "as is" purchase is appropriate when the buyer accepts the present conditions of the property, understanding what these are. It is also required that the seller points out any known environment hazards in the property which might include asbestos or pollutants.