How to read a disclosure form
Go line by line instead of jumping to the 'yes' answers. A 'no' may mean the seller is stating a condition is absent; an 'unknown' or limited-knowledge situation can be just as important because it tells you where independent verification matters.
Pay close attention to explanations, attachments and whether the person completing the form actually occupied the home for a meaningful period.
Topics that deserve extra attention
- Roof age, repairs and leaks.
- Water intrusion, drainage, flooding or moisture.
- Foundation or structural work.
- Electrical and plumbing updates.
- Heating and cooling systems.
- Remodels, additions and whether permits were obtained.
- Insurance claims or known damage history.
- HOA, easement, covenant or shared-access obligations.
- Sewer, septic, well or irrigation information where relevant.
Cross-check what can be cross-checked
For property and tax information, Deschutes County's DIAL system is a useful research starting point. For homes inside Bend, the City's permit resources may help you identify permits or project records.
Record research can tell you whether there is documentation; it cannot prove that undocumented work never happened. Pair records with the inspection and direct questions.
Turn vague answers into specific questions
Instead of asking 'Has there ever been water?' ask what happened, where, when, what caused it, how it was repaired, who performed the work and whether there are invoices, photos or insurance records.
The goal is not to accuse the seller of anything. It is to replace ambiguity with the best evidence you can reasonably obtain before the deadline.
Common questions
Do disclosures guarantee there are no hidden problems?
No. They are one source of information. Buyers should still use inspections, records research and specialist opinions where appropriate.
What if the seller never lived in the house?
Treat knowledge-based answers with appropriate caution. A seller may genuinely have less firsthand knowledge, which makes independent due diligence more important.
Official sources & further research
For rules, licensing and local programs, use the current primary source before making a decision.