Selling on Sunnyside Hill and feeling unsure about Washington’s Form 17? You are not alone. The Seller Disclosure Statement can seem long and technical when you first see it. With a clear plan, you can complete it with confidence, avoid surprises, and give buyers the clarity they need. In this guide, you will learn what Form 17 covers, when to deliver it, and the local issues Sunnyside and Sunnyside Hill sellers should keep in mind. Let’s dive in.
Form 17 basics in Washington
Form 17 is Washington’s standard Seller Disclosure Statement for most 1–4 unit residential properties. It exists under state law in RCW 64.06 to help you share what you know about your home. The goal is transparency so buyers can make informed decisions.
- You answer based on your actual knowledge at the time you complete the form.
- Most sellers must complete it. Certain transfers, like some court-ordered or fiduciary sales, may be exempt.
- If your property was built before 1978, you also have federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements.
When to deliver Form 17
Timing matters. Buyers expect to see Form 17 early in the process, often before or at the time of an offer. Your listing broker will help you provide it on time and record delivery.
- If you do not deliver Form 17 as required or make materially false statements, a buyer may have remedies under the statute. These can include damages or, in some cases, rescission within certain time limits.
- Keep a signed, dated copy of the final version and all attachments.
What you must disclose
Form 17 is organized by topic. You will check yes, no, or unknown, and add notes when needed. Be clear and attach documents that help explain complex items.
Structure and building systems
- Foundation, roof condition and leaks, additions, and any known structural defects.
- Heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, water heater, and included appliances.
Water supply and sewage
- Whether you use public water or a private well, and any known issues or testing results.
- Whether you are on public sewer or a septic system, plus inspection and pump history and known problems.
Environmental conditions
- Known presence of lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, asbestos, radon, mold, underground tanks, spills, or remediation.
- Evidence of pests or prior treatments.
Boundaries, access, and legal items
- Easements, rights-of-way, encroachments, boundary disputes, and any pending legal claims.
- Open code violations, unpermitted work, and permits for major renovations.
Neighborhood factors and HOAs
- Ongoing nuisances known to you, such as noise, odors, or seasonal activities that affect use.
- HOA or CC&R details, pending assessments, and known violations.
Other material facts
- Anything else you know that could materially affect the property’s value or desirability.
Sunnyside and Sunnyside Hill watchouts
Sunnyside and Sunnyside Hill sit in an agricultural, semi-arid part of Yakima County. Local conditions often show up in Form 17 answers. Focus on these common items.
Wells and irrigation
- If you have a private well, gather your well log, pump records, and any recent water-quality tests. Note depth and known issues, like nitrate or arsenic if you have results.
- If the property receives irrigation water or has ditch access, disclose the irrigation district connection, easements, delivery points, and any disputes or restrictions.
Septic systems
- Share the system type, approximate age, last inspection or pump date, and any known failures or repairs.
- If you have permits or records from local health authorities, include copies.
Flood risk
- Parts of Yakima County are in mapped FEMA flood zones. Disclose any known flood history, past damage, or insurance claims related to flooding.
Agricultural operations
- Expect seasonal activities like orchard work, pesticide applications, dust, odor, aerial spraying, and increased truck traffic.
- If you know of recurring nuisances that materially affect use, disclose them.
Soil and historic uses
- Older or rural sites may have had fuel storage, pesticide mixing, or other uses that raise environmental questions. If you know of past spills, tanks, or cleanup activities, disclose that and provide any documentation you have.
Radon
- Central Washington can have varied radon levels. If you have completed any testing, share the date and results.
Wildfire and vegetation
- If slopes, brush, or defensible-space requirements affect your property, note that, along with any known history of wildfire or mitigation work.
Permits and unpermitted structures
- Shops, barns, and additions are common in rural areas. If you know work was completed without permits or final inspections, disclose it and attach any paperwork you have.
Utilities and private roads
- If you lack regular garbage or recycling service or share a private road, note any maintenance agreements, assessments, or special arrangements.
How to complete Form 17 the right way
A careful approach lowers risk and builds buyer trust.
- Answer based on what you actually know today. Do not guess. Use “unknown” when appropriate.
- Keep explanations short and factual. Use attachments for detail.
- If something changes after you deliver the form, update your disclosure promptly.
- Review every section. Do not leave items blank unless the form instructs you to.
Documents to gather before listing
These items make Form 17 easier to complete and help buyers move forward with confidence.
- Title or deed and the full legal description
- Surveys, plats, or maps showing boundaries and easements
- Permits and final approvals for additions, electrical, plumbing, or structural work
- Septic inspection reports and pumping records
- Well log, pump service records, and recent water test results
- Roof, HVAC, and major repair invoices or warranties
- HOA or irrigation district statements and contact information
- Any environmental reports, radon tests, or prior disclosure forms
Smart pre-listing tests and inspections
You can head off surprises by checking key systems in advance.
- Pre-listing home inspection to surface items that need disclosure or quick repairs.
- Well water testing for bacteria and common local concerns like nitrate or arsenic if you are on a private well.
- Septic evaluation or pumping if the system is due.
- Radon testing if you have a basement or crawlspace and want to answer with data.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few missteps show up again and again. Avoid them with these simple habits.
- Not delivering Form 17 early. Provide it as part of your pre-listing packet or with the offer.
- Guessing instead of using “unknown.” If you do not know, say so clearly.
- Hiding past problems that were repaired. Disclose issues and provide repair documentation.
- Skipping attachments. If a topic is complex, add a short note and attach reports, permits, or invoices.
Handling buyer questions and updates
Buyers often ask about wells, septic systems, roof leaks, permits, boundaries, and flood risk. Try to answer once, clearly, in your disclosure and attachments.
- Keep communications factual and consistent with your Form 17 answers.
- If new information comes up, work with your broker to update the disclosure for accuracy.
When to bring in professionals
Some topics deserve expert help. This protects you and speeds up the sale.
- Real estate attorney for complex title issues, environmental questions, or active code matters.
- Licensed contractors or engineers for structural, roofing, or major system concerns.
- Environmental consultants if you suspect contamination or underground tanks.
- Local permitting offices for questions about unpermitted work or open violations.
The bottom line for Sunnyside Hill sellers
Form 17 is your chance to set clear expectations and build trust. When you answer honestly, attach the right documents, and highlight local considerations like wells, irrigation, septic, and agricultural activity, you make it easier for buyers to move forward. That means fewer delays and a smoother closing.
If you want a friendly, step-by-step review of your disclosure packet or a referral to trusted local pros, reach out to Krista Gross for guidance.
FAQs
What is Washington’s Form 17 in a home sale?
- Form 17 is Washington’s Seller Disclosure Statement that shares a seller’s actual knowledge about a residential property’s condition, systems, and known issues under RCW 64.06.
Who must complete Form 17 for a Sunnyside sale?
- Most residential sellers complete it, with limited statutory exemptions such as some court-ordered or fiduciary sales where different rules may apply.
When should I deliver Form 17 to buyers?
- Provide it early, ideally before or with an offer, so buyers can review and you meet the statute and your contract’s timing expectations.
What Sunnyside-specific items belong on Form 17?
- Common local items include wells and water tests, irrigation access or rights, septic history, flood history, agricultural operations, radon tests, and any unpermitted structures.
How do I answer if I am not sure about something?
- Use “unknown” rather than guessing, and consider attaching a brief note or getting documents or tests if you want to provide more clarity.
What happens if there is a mistake in my disclosure?
- Buyers may have remedies for nondisclosure or materially false statements, so update the form promptly if new facts come to light and consult your broker or an attorney as needed.
Do I need to disclose past issues that were repaired?
- Yes. Disclose the issue and the repair, and attach invoices or warranties so buyers understand what was done and when.
