Selling your home in Duncanville and not sure what you must disclose? You are not alone. Texas has clear rules on seller disclosures, and the forms can feel technical. This guide breaks down exactly which Texas and federal forms apply, when to deliver them, and how to use local resources to get it right. Let’s dive in.
Who must give a seller’s disclosure
Most Texas sellers of previously occupied single-family homes must provide a written Seller’s Disclosure Notice. The requirement comes from Texas Property Code Section 5.008, which also sets timing and exemptions. You can review the statute text for details on who is covered and common exceptions such as certain court-ordered transfers and brand-new homes that have not been occupied. See the full statute at Texas Property Code Section 5.008.
The core Texas form you will use
For a previously occupied single-family residence, you will use the standard TREC Seller’s Disclosure Notice (TREC 55-0). It is the statewide form tied to the statute and is the one buyers and agents expect in Dallas County. Review the exact questions and checkboxes on TREC’s Seller’s Disclosure Notice (Form 55-0).
What this form asks you to note includes:
- Major systems and components such as HVAC, roof, plumbing, and electrical.
- Water issues like drainage, prior leaks, past flooding, and flood insurance history.
- Environmental items such as asbestos, radon, hazardous materials, and any known lead-based paint.
- Termite history and treatments, structural issues, and unpermitted work.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, HOA details, and other material facts.
Complete it to the best of your knowledge. If you do not know an answer, the form allows you to mark “unknown.”
Additional disclosures that may apply
Homes built before 1978: lead-based paint
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires a separate lead-based paint disclosure, an EPA/HUD pamphlet, and a 10-day inspection window for the buyer unless they waive it. TREC provides the Lead-Based Paint Addendum (OP-L) to meet this requirement. Learn more about the rule at HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Disclosure overview and see the TREC lead addendum OP-L.
Special taxing or assessment districts (including MUDs)
If the property is in a special taxing or assessment district, Texas law requires a prescribed notice to purchasers about taxes, assessments, and bonds. If a district does not provide its own notice, you can use TREC’s helpful template. See the Notice to Purchaser of Special Taxing or Assessment District on TREC’s special district notice page.
Homes in an owners’ association (HOA)
If your property has mandatory HOA membership, buyers expect HOA-related documents and costs. The TREC addendum and the association’s resale certificate satisfy the typical requirements under Texas Property Code Chapter 207. Review the Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in a Property Owners’ Association and related resources on TREC’s HOA forms page.
Unimproved residential property
If you are selling a vacant residential lot rather than a home, Texas Property Code Section 5.013 requires a notice that includes the location of certain pipelines and subsurface conditions to the best of your knowledge. This is a different form and timeline than the standard home disclosure.
Timing, delivery, and buyer remedies
- Deliver your Seller’s Disclosure Notice on or before the effective date of the contract. That timing is set by Section 5.008 of the Texas Property Code.
- If the seller’s disclosure is not delivered before the contract takes effect, the buyer may terminate the contract for any reason within seven days after receiving it. Learn more at Texas Property Code Section 5.008.
- Accuracy matters. Incorrect or incomplete disclosures can lead to contract issues and potential civil remedies for buyers. When in doubt, disclose.
Local Duncanville checks that inform your disclosure
Floodplain and drainage
Flood history and insurance are key items in the TREC form. Use the City’s tools to verify current mapping and local context. Duncanville maintains helpful mapping and flood resources you can review with your agent or buyer. Explore the City of Duncanville interactive maps and the Duncanville Floodplain Management page.
Permits and unpermitted work
The disclosure asks if additions or repairs were made without permits. Check your property’s permit history, and keep receipts or records for recent work. See what projects require permits and how to verify records through Duncanville Building Inspections.
Taxes and districts
Confirm the property’s tax account, any special districts, and recorded owners before you list. Start with the Dallas Central Appraisal District property search and review any special district notices that may apply.
Seller checklist for a smooth disclosure
- Download and review the current TREC 55-0 form before listing.
- Gather records: roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pest treatment, insurance claims, and permits.
- If your home was built before 1978, prepare the federal lead disclosure and pamphlet.
- Check your floodplain status and past flood or insurance claims.
- Confirm HOA status, dues, and order the resale certificate if applicable.
- Verify whether the property lies in a special taxing or assessment district and prepare the required notice.
- Answer every item to the best of your knowledge and attach explanations where helpful.
- Deliver the completed disclosure to the buyer on or before the contract effective date.
Work with a local advisor who knows the forms
Handling disclosures well protects your sale, avoids surprises, and builds buyer confidence. With design and development insight and a high-touch process, you can present your home clearly and reduce risk from contract to close. If you are planning to sell in Duncanville, connect with Demont Campbell for guidance on disclosures, presentation, and strategy.
FAQs
Do Duncanville sellers have to use the TREC Seller’s Disclosure?
- Yes. For most previously occupied single-family homes, Texas Property Code Section 5.008 requires a written notice, and TREC Form 55-0 is the standard form buyers expect.
What if my home is in a special taxing or assessment district?
- Texas law requires a district notice with specific language. If the district does not provide one, you can use TREC’s special district notice template.
How do lead-based paint rules affect older homes?
- For homes built before 1978, you must give the federal lead disclosure, provide the EPA/HUD pamphlet, and allow a 10-day inspection period unless waived.
When must I deliver the disclosure to the buyer?
- Provide it on or before the effective date of the contract. If it is late, the buyer can terminate for any reason within seven days of receiving it.
Do I have to disclose a death in the home?
- Texas does not require disclosure of deaths from natural causes, suicide, or accidents unrelated to the property’s condition. You should disclose facts related to the property’s condition that could affect a buyer’s decision.
