Selling in Travelers Rest and wondering what you actually have to disclose? You are not alone. Clear, honest disclosures protect you, build buyer trust, and keep your closing on track. In this guide, you will learn what South Carolina expects, how local Travelers Rest records come into play, and a simple checklist to help you avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.
What disclosure means in South Carolina
South Carolina sellers typically complete a Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement that covers known material facts about the home. The form is widely used and guided by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and the South Carolina Association of REALTORS. Your goal is to be accurate and specific about what you know.
Selling “as is” does not remove your duty to disclose known defects or to avoid concealment. If you know about a material issue that affects value or habitability, you should disclose it. When in doubt, disclose and document.
Federal lead-based paint rules
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you give the buyer a lead-hazard information pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint or lead hazards. You must also share any records or reports you have. You can review the requirements on the EPA’s lead-based paint disclosure page.
Local checks that matter in Travelers Rest
Local records help you verify what you disclose. In Travelers Rest, you can use:
- Greenville County GIS for parcel maps, boundaries, and improvements.
- The City of Travelers Rest for questions about local permits and utilities.
- South Carolina DHEC for septic permits and pumping histories, and private-well resources if applicable.
- The FEMA Flood Map Service Center to check flood zones and insurance considerations.
What you should disclose
The rule of thumb is simple: disclose known material facts that could affect value or livability, including issues a buyer might not notice at first glance.
Structure and major systems
- Roof age and leaks, past repairs, or replacements
- Foundation settling, cracks, or structural movement
- Walls and ceilings with known damage or structural concerns
Mechanical systems
- HVAC age, service history, and known defects
- Plumbing leaks, sewer backups, pipe materials, or repairs
- Electrical panel concerns, outdated wiring, or known code issues
Water source and waste
- Public water vs. private well, and any known well problems
- Sewer connection vs. septic system, with permits and any known failures or pumping history
Environmental and health
- Lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes, plus any known asbestos or underground tanks
- Known mold or moisture issues and any related remediation
Flooding and drainage
- Prior flooding, drainage problems, or standing water on the property
- Flood zone status if it affects insurance or risk
Pests and wood-destroying organisms
- Termite treatment history, active infestations, or documented damage
Title, boundaries, and easements
- Known boundary disputes or encroachments
- Recorded easements that affect use of the property
Improvements and permits
- Unpermitted additions or renovations
- Known building or code violations
HOA and use issues
- Existence of an HOA, fees, rules, pending assessments, and contact information
- Active leases or tenant agreements, shared driveways or utilities
Timeline sellers can expect in Travelers Rest
Before you list
Best practice is to complete your disclosure form before your home goes live. Many agents attach it to the listing or provide it on request. Early disclosure creates trust and can reduce back-and-forth during negotiations.
During offers and inspections
Buyers commonly receive disclosures with the offer or shortly before. Standard contracts include an inspection period, often 7 to 14 days or more, where buyers confirm disclosures, order inspections, and request repairs or credits. If inspections uncover undisclosed material defects, buyers may ask to renegotiate or terminate within their contingency window.
After you list
If you learn new information after you complete the form, update it and deliver the revised version promptly to the buyer’s agent. Keep a dated record of what you shared and when.
Common pitfalls and risks
- Not disclosing a past roof leak, water intrusion, or flooding history
- Unpermitted additions that later trigger repair or legal issues
- Hidden structural problems, like foundation settling
- Septic failures or needed repairs that were known but not shared
- Missing the federal lead-based paint disclosure on a pre-1978 home
- HOA fees, rules, or special assessments not disclosed upfront
Consequences can include contract cancellations, post-closing disputes, repair costs, or even legal claims. As is wording will not protect you if you knowingly conceal defects.
Step-by-step seller checklist
- Fill out the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement before listing.
- Provide the federal lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet if your home was built before 1978.
- Gather records: permits, contractor invoices, warranties, pest-control reports, septic pumping history, inspection reports, and HOA documents.
- Consider a pre-listing inspection to surface issues early.
- Verify details through Greenville County resources, DHEC, and FEMA flood maps.
- Update your disclosure promptly if new information comes to light.
- Keep copies of all disclosures and date-stamped correspondence.
Repair or disclose? How to decide
You can often fix small, easy items before listing to avoid buyer objections. For bigger issues, weigh the cost of repairs against disclosing and pricing accordingly. Many sellers choose to disclose fully and negotiate repairs or credits after inspections. The key is to be accurate, specific, and timely with updates.
Local tools and who to contact
- Forms and guidance: South Carolina Real Estate Commission and South Carolina Association of REALTORS
- Local practice norms: Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS
- City info: City of Travelers Rest
- Property data: Greenville County GIS
- Septic and wells: SC DHEC Onsite Wastewater
- Flood zones: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
This article summarizes common practices and federal and state requirements. It is not legal advice. Consult your listing agent or a real estate attorney for specific legal questions.
If you want a smooth sale with fewer surprises, we are here to help. For a friendly walkthrough of your disclosure form, pricing strategy, and prep plan, reach out to Mary Sloka for local guidance.
FAQs
What is the South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure?
- It is a standard form that sellers complete to share known material facts about the property, guided by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and commonly used in residential sales.
Do I have to disclose prior flooding in Travelers Rest?
- Yes, if you know about flooding or drainage problems, you should disclose it, and you can also check flood zones using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for context.
Does selling “as is” remove my duty to disclose in South Carolina?
- No; you must still disclose known material defects and avoid concealment, even in an as-is sale.
When should buyers get my disclosures in Greenville County?
- Ideally at listing or early in the process; if the home is pre-1978, federal lead paint disclosures should be provided before a buyer signs an offer.
How should I handle septic system disclosures near Travelers Rest?
- Share what you know, gather permits and pumping records if available, and use SC DHEC resources to verify septic details.
What if I discover a new issue after listing my home?
- Update your disclosure immediately and deliver the revised version to the buyer’s agent, keeping a dated record of the update.
