The 3 Disclosures Every Illinois Home Seller Must Complete (and Why They Protect You)
Posted by Jenny Maraccini on January 18, 2026
Selling your home comes with a lot of moving parts, and paperwork is often the part sellers feel most nervous about. One area that causes confusion (and sometimes unnecessary stress) is disclosures.
The good news? Disclosures are not meant to trip you up. In fact, they’re designed to protect you, keep the transaction ethical, and help prevent issues down the road.
If you’re selling a home in Illinois, there are three key disclosures you’ll be required to complete. Let’s break them down in plain English and explain why they actually work in your favor.
What Are Disclosures, Exactly?
Disclosures are written forms that sellers complete to share known information about the property with potential buyers. The emphasis here is on known — you’re not expected to be a home inspector or uncover problems you don’t know about.
These forms help:
- Set clear expectations for buyers
- Reduce surprises during inspections
- Protect sellers from future legal disputes
Transparency is the goal, and when done correctly, disclosures create a smoother, safer transaction for everyone involved.
1. The Property Disclosure Form
This is the most comprehensive disclosure and the one sellers usually have the most questions about.
What it covers:
The property disclosure asks whether you’re aware of any issues related to things like:
- Roof, foundation, or structural components
- Plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems
- Water intrusion, flooding, or moisture problems
- Past repairs or ongoing issues
You’re not required to fix everything — you’re simply required to disclose what you know.
Why it protects you:
Being upfront helps prevent buyers from claiming later that something was hidden or misrepresented. If an issue is disclosed properly, it significantly reduces your liability after closing.
Honesty here builds trust and often keeps deals moving forward instead of falling apart during inspection negotiations.
2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for Homes Built Before 1978)
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure.
What it includes:
- Whether you have any knowledge of lead-based paint or hazards
- Any reports or records related to lead in the home
- A pamphlet for buyers explaining lead-based paint risks
If you don’t have knowledge of lead-based paint, that’s okay — you simply disclose that you’re not aware of any.
Why it protects you:
Lead-based paint regulations are taken seriously, and proper disclosure ensures you’re compliant with federal law. This protects you from future claims and ensures buyers are informed before moving forward.
This disclosure is very common, especially in older homes, and rarely causes issues when handled correctly.
3. Radon Disclosure
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be present in homes throughout Illinois, which is why the state requires a radon disclosure.
What it covers:
- Whether you’ve had radon testing done
- The results of any known radon tests
- Whether a mitigation system has been installed
You’re not required to test for radon before selling — you only need to disclose what you already know.
Why it protects you:
Radon often comes up during inspections, and having this information disclosed early helps avoid surprises. If buyers decide to test later, your transparency upfront helps keep expectations aligned and negotiations fair.
What Sellers Often Worry About (and Shouldn’t)
Many sellers fear that disclosures will:
- Scare buyers away
- Lower their home’s value
- Create unnecessary complications
In reality, the opposite is usually true. Homes with clear, honest disclosures tend to:
- Experience fewer last-minute issues
- Build buyer confidence
- Move more smoothly from contract to closing
Disclosures don’t mean your home is “problematic” — they show that you’re a responsible, informed seller.
How We Help You Navigate Disclosures
You’re never expected to figure this out on your own.
We walk you through:
- What each question is actually asking
- How to answer accurately without overthinking
- When to disclose details and when “unknown” is appropriate
- How disclosures fit into the larger selling process
Our goal is to make sure everything is handled ethically, correctly, and with your best interests in mind — so you feel confident every step of the way.
The Bottom Line
Disclosures aren’t something to fear. They’re a built-in layer of protection that helps:
- Create transparency
- Reduce legal risk
- Support a smoother sale
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Illinois and have questions about disclosures (or anything else), we’re here to help guide you through it clearly and confidently.
Thinking about listing your home? Reach out anytime — we’re happy to walk you through what to expect before you even get started.
📲773-525-0900
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