What Happens When a Seller Fails to Disclose Problems in a Bucks County Home?

Buying a home in Bucks County is a dream for many families, with its beautiful neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and historic charm in places like Doylestown, Yardley, and Newtown.

But that excitement can fade fast if you discover major issues after moving in;  a leaky roof, a flooding basement, or electrical problems that the seller never mentioned. Unfortunately, these “surprises” happen more often than most buyers realize. When they do, knowing your rights under Pennsylvania’s seller disclosure laws and speaking with a real estate lawyer in Bucks County can make all the difference.

What Home Sellers Are Required to Disclose in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, sellers must provide buyers with a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement before the sale is finalized. This document lists any known material defects — basically, problems that affect the home’s safety, value, or livability.

Typical disclosures include:

• Leaks in the roof, foundation, or basement
• Water damage or drainage issues
• Problems with plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems
• Termite or pest infestations
• Structural repairs or additions
• The presence of mold, lead paint, or asbestos

The key here is that the seller only needs to disclose what they actually know or should reasonably know. They’re not required to hire inspectors or go digging into walls, but they must be honest about issues they’ve experienced or repaired.

When the Seller Doesn’t Disclose

If a seller knew about a serious defect and failed to disclose it, that’s a non-disclosure situation. Imagine you buy a home in Yardley, only to find the basement floods every time it rains  and later learn the previous owner had installed a hidden sump pump years ago. Or you move into a Doylestown townhouse and discover that “new” roof repairs were only cosmetic.

When sellers hide known problems, buyers often end up footing repair bills that can quickly run into thousands of dollars. That’s when frustration turns into a question: What can I do now?

Step 1: Document Everything

If you discover damage or defects, start by documenting everything in detail. Take dated photos and videos, keep receipts for any emergency repairs, and save copies of the seller’s disclosure form and inspection reports.

This documentation helps establish whether the issue was likely preexisting and gives your Bucks County real estate lawyer the evidence they need to evaluate your options.

Step 2: Hire a Contractor to Assess the Extent of the Damage

Before you approach the seller or take legal steps, it’s smart to hire a licensed local contractor to assess the damage and provide a written estimate.

For example, if you’re in Newtown and notice soft spots on your ceiling, a roofing contractor can determine whether the leak is new or has been ongoing for years. If your Doylestown basement has mold, a remediation company can identify moisture patterns that show how long it’s been happening.

A professional assessment can help you:

• Understand the true cost of repairs (not just a surface fix)
• Determine whether the damage appears longstanding or recent
• Provide evidence of non-disclosure if the seller should have known about the issue

Having a contractor’s report strengthens your position whether you’re negotiating with the seller or pursuing formal remedies.

Step 3: Talk to a Real Estate Lawyer in Bucks County

If the contractor’s findings suggest that the issue existed before you bought the home, it’s time to contact a real estate lawyer who handles seller non-disclosure cases in Bucks County.

A local lawyer understands how these cases work in Pennsylvania and how to interpret the seller’s obligations. They can help you:

• Determine if the defect qualifies as a “material defect” under state law
• Contact the seller (or their agent) to seek a resolution
• Negotiate a fair repair or reimbursement
• Explore formal legal remedies if needed

Sometimes, a carefully written letter from your lawyer is enough to bring the seller to the table and resolve things quickly.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home should be exciting, not stressful. When sellers fail to disclose major defects, buyers deserve answers and fair treatment. If you believe your Bucks County home’s seller withheld important information, don’t ignore it.

Reach out to an experienced real estate lawyer in Bucks County who can review your documents, coordinate with contractors, and help you understand your options. A little legal guidance now can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration later.