Thinking about selling your home in Greensburg and not sure what you have to disclose? You are not alone. Pennsylvania’s Seller Property Disclosure Statement looks long and technical, and older homes in Westmoreland County can add extra questions. This guide breaks down what the state expects, the issues you are most likely to see in Greensburg, when and how to update your form, and how solid disclosures protect your sale. Let’s dive in.
PA seller disclosure basics
What the disclosure is
Pennsylvania uses a Seller Property Disclosure Statement that you complete to the best of your actual knowledge. The form covers major systems, environmental items, legal or permit issues, prior damage, and repairs. It is not a guarantee and does not replace buyer inspections. It is a truth-in-knowledge document that helps buyers make informed decisions.
Who completes it and exemptions
Most residential sellers must complete the disclosure. Some transfers have practical exemptions, such as certain court-ordered transfers, transfers between co-owners or spouses, sales by some fiduciaries, and some new construction scenarios. Your listing broker will typically request the form when the property goes live. If an exemption applies, you usually sign an acknowledgement stating why the form is not required.
When buyers receive it
In practice, buyers get the disclosure before or when an offer is written, so they can rely on it during negotiations. If anything material changes after delivery, you should update and re-deliver the disclosure. Early and accurate information builds trust and reduces back-and-forth later.
Your duty: disclose what you know
Your legal duty is to disclose known material defects. You are not required to open walls or perform invasive testing. Do not guess, and do not conceal. If you learn something new after you sign the form, amend it promptly and provide the update before settlement.
Greensburg issues to disclose
Greensburg and much of Westmoreland County feature older housing from the late 1800s through mid-1900s. That age profile brings repeat themes on disclosures. Here are the items most sellers in the area encounter and what buyers often request.
Lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes
Many Greensburg homes were built before 1978, when lead-based paint was common. Federal rules require you to disclose known lead information for covered homes and provide the federal lead safety pamphlet. Gather any prior testing or abatement records. Buyers often ask for lead reports or risk assessments in very old houses.
Radon
Pennsylvania has a higher radon potential than many states, and parts of Westmoreland County show elevated levels. You should disclose any known test results and the presence of a mitigation system. Buyers commonly add a radon test to their inspection package. If you have results or a system, share documentation.
Heating systems and oil tanks
Older homes may use oil-fired heat. Underground or abandoned oil tanks can create environmental liability and lender concerns. Disclose any tanks you know about, locations, removal records, and any spill remediation. Buyers may order a tank sweep or request soil testing or removal documentation.
Electrical: knob-and-tube and older panels
Historic wiring types, fuse boxes, or undersized service panels are common in older neighborhoods. Disclose what you know about wiring methods and upgrades. If you have permits or electrician reports, provide them. Buyers often request an electrical evaluation or quotes for updates.
Plumbing and sewer lines
Cast-iron plumbing and aging laterals can fail over time, and some properties outside municipal service rely on septic. Disclose sewer backups, repairs, lateral replacements, septic systems, and maintenance history. Buyers frequently order camera sewer scopes and septic inspections in older areas. Records of repairs or pumping help.
Foundations, basements, and flooding
Greensburg’s topography and proximity to Loyalhanna Creek can mean basement moisture or past flood events. Disclose any known water intrusion, sump pumps, French drains, repairs, flood insurance claims, and any known floodplain status. Buyers often pursue thorough basement inspections and may check elevation or flood maps.
Asbestos and historic materials
Older materials such as asbestos floor tiles, pipe insulation, or plaster may be present. Disclose known testing or remediation. Buyers may request targeted testing if materials are suspected. If you have abatement documentation, include it.
Roofs and chimneys
Slate or older roofs and masonry chimneys may require periodic repairs. Disclose known leaks, replacements, stabilization, and recent work. Provide receipts and warranties if available. Buyers commonly ask for roof and chimney evaluations.
Permits and unpermitted work
Past additions, finished attics, porch enclosures, or garage conversions may have been done without permits. Disclose any known unpermitted work or missing final inspections. Buyers and lenders can raise issues late in the process if this is discovered. Checking municipal records before listing helps you answer with confidence.
Mold and moisture
Basements and crawlspaces in older homes often show signs of moisture. Disclose any known mold, prior remediation, water events, and related repairs. Provide reports from remediation firms if you have them. Buyers may request further testing.
Historic district and floodplain considerations
If your home lies in a historic district with exterior-change guidelines, disclose that status. Also disclose known floodplain status or prior flood claims. Clear documentation helps buyers plan for future projects and insurance.
Update your disclosure the right way
When to update
Update your disclosure whenever you learn a new material fact after the initial version. Common examples include a newly discovered leak, a radon result above recommended levels, discovery or removal of an underground oil tank, a new insurance claim, or receipt of a code violation. If you complete repairs after listing, disclose the prior condition and what was done.
How to amend and document
Prepare a dated amendment that names the section you are changing and explains the update. Deliver it promptly to the buyer and their agent or attorney, and keep written proof of delivery. Include supporting documents such as permits, receipts, inspection reports, test results, contractor warranties, or claim paperwork.
Smart pre-listing steps
Before you go live, complete the disclosure fully and gather your records. Consider targeted pre-listing checks for local risks: radon test, sewer scope, oil tank sweep, electrical assessment, and roof or chimney evaluations. Good documentation reduces surprises and can strengthen your position during negotiations.
Reduce risk and keep your deal on track
Buyer remedies in brief
Remedies for nondisclosure vary by facts and can include rescission, damages for repair costs, and claims based on fraud or negligent misrepresentation. Even when homes are sold as-is, intentional concealment or misstatements can still lead to claims. Accurate, timely updates lower the chance of disputes.
Why thorough disclosure protects value
Early disclosure sets clear expectations and limits renegotiation later. When you share receipts, permits, and reports, buyers gain confidence and lenders or insurers can move faster. If something changes mid-escrow, prompt amendments can keep everyone aligned and reduce post-closing risk.
When to call an attorney
If you are unsure about a sensitive issue, such as potential environmental contamination, significant unpermitted work, or a complex prior insurance claim, consult a real estate attorney. Guidance on wording and documentation can reduce risk and help your sale proceed smoothly.
Pre-listing checklist for Greensburg sellers
- Complete the Seller Property Disclosure Statement honestly and clearly.
- Gather records: permits, inspection reports, warranties, receipts, and insurance claim history.
- If built before 1978, collect any lead-based paint testing or abatement records and be ready to provide the required federal lead pamphlet when applicable.
- Consider targeted pre-listing checks common in Greensburg:
- Radon test and any mitigation documentation
- Sewer scope for older laterals
- Oil tank sweep and removal or soil test records if oil heat is present or suspected
- Electrical assessment if wiring or panels are dated
- Roof and chimney inspection if nearing end of life
- Compile documentation on water intrusion, mold remediation, structural repairs, and flood history.
- If a new issue arises after listing, prepare a dated amendment, deliver it promptly, and retain proof.
Local resources
- Pennsylvania Association of Realtors for disclosure forms and guidance
- Pennsylvania statutes and official state resources for legal requirements
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for lead-based paint information and federal lead rules
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for radon guidance and county data
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center for flood zone information
- Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds and local municipal building departments for permits and property records
- Licensed home inspectors, radon professionals, environmental consultants, and oil tank contractors with Pennsylvania credentials
Selling an older Greensburg home can be straightforward when you disclose clearly, document well, and update promptly. That approach builds buyer confidence, protects your value, and keeps your contract on track. If you would like a calm, step-by-step plan to get market-ready and reduce risk, connect with Unknown Company to Request Your Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
What is Pennsylvania’s Seller Property Disclosure Statement?
- It is a state-level form you complete to the best of your actual knowledge about the home’s condition, including systems, environmental items, legal issues, and prior repairs.
Do I have to test for issues like radon or lead?
- You must disclose known information. Testing is not always required, but buyers in Westmoreland County often order radon tests and may seek lead assessments in pre-1978 homes.
How do I handle new issues found after I list my Greensburg home?
- Prepare a dated amendment, reference the section you are updating, deliver it promptly to the buyer and their agent or attorney, and include supporting documents.
What if my home had unpermitted work years ago?
- Disclose what you know and check municipal records if you can. Transparency helps avoid closing delays and renegotiations.
Can buyers cancel if I missed a material problem?
- Remedies depend on the facts and can include rescission or damages. Intentional concealment or misrepresentation creates greater legal exposure.
What should I gather before listing in Greensburg?
- Permits, inspection reports, warranties, repair receipts, insurance claim history, and any testing results for radon, sewer, oil tanks, lead, mold, or roof and chimney work.
