Texas sellers should begin disclosure preparation by gathering accurate property-condition facts and records—not by guessing at technical causes or trying to minimize known issues. The form and obligations that apply can depend on the property and circumstances, so use the correct current documents and obtain professional guidance where needed.
Current Eaton listing choices: Florida and Texas sellers can choose $99 MLS Basic for essential seller-managed MLS entry, $499 FSBO Plus for more flexibility and support while managing the sale, or 1% Full Service for broker representation from pricing through closing.
What should I gather before starting?
| Topic | Helpful records | Questions to review |
|---|---|---|
| Roof, foundation, and structure | Permits, warranties, invoices, engineering or repair reports | Any known damage, movement, leaks, or prior work? |
| Water, plumbing, and drainage | Plumbing, remediation, septic, well, and claim records | Any leaks, flooding, backups, or recurring drainage issues? |
| Mechanical and electrical systems | HVAC, electrical, generator, solar, and appliance records | Any known malfunction or unpermitted alteration? |
| Title, boundaries, and use | Survey, leases, notices, easement or dispute correspondence | Any encroachment, occupancy issue, or known dispute? |
| Association and community | HOA documents, assessments, violations, and account status | Any amount due or known pending matter? |
Do repaired items still matter?
A repair record can be important because it explains the history and the work performed. Do not assume a repair automatically removes every disclosure question. State known facts accurately, retain supporting invoices and permits, and ask the appropriate professional when you are unsure how an item should be addressed.
What if I do not know an answer?
Do not invent a date, diagnosis, permit status, or remaining useful life. Review your records and seek reliable information. If uncertainty remains, follow the form’s instructions and obtain legal or real-estate guidance rather than converting an assumption into a fact.
A practical preparation sequence
- Use the correct current form for the property and transaction.
- Walk through the home and review your ownership records.
- Create a factual timeline of known conditions, repairs, and insurance claims.
- Match statements with permits, reports, invoices, warranties, or photographs.
- Ask qualified professionals about exemptions, legal duties, and technical conditions.
- Update information if you learn something material before closing.
Two listing options, with different levels of support
| Option | What is included | What the seller handles |
|---|---|---|
| 1% Full-Service | Seller representation, pricing guidance, MLS input, showing coordination, offer review and negotiation, and contract-to-close support. No upfront listing fee; the listing fee is paid only if the property sells. Cancellation is subject to the listing agreement. | The seller supplies property photos and stays involved in property-specific decisions. |
| $499 FSBO Plus | MLS input and exposure only; no representation. | The seller supplies photos and handles calls, showings, offers, negotiations, contracts, disclosures, title, and closing. |
Buyer-agent compensation is separate from either listing option. It is optional and negotiable, and the seller chooses what, if anything, to offer. See our buyer-agent compensation guide for questions to consider.
Keep the rest of the sale organized
Disclosure is one part of the transaction. Sellers also need a pricing plan, accurate MLS information, showing access, offer comparison, contract deadlines, title coordination, and closing preparation. Use the existing Texas home seller checklist and review Texas home-selling costs.
Compare services on the Texas page, see how it works, or start your listing.
Talk with a licensed broker
For questions about the two listing options, call Stephen Eaton at 409-996-9999 or email stephen@theeatonco.com. Stephen is a licensed Florida real estate broker (BK3560755) and Texas real estate broker (License #539000).
This article provides general information, not legal, tax, insurance, association, inspection, or lending advice. Requirements and results vary by property, contract, and transaction. Consult the appropriate professionals about your circumstances.