How Claims History Affects Your Sale

When you sell, your buyer has to insure your home. Their insurance company may look at the property's claims history and the roof. Getting ahead of this makes your sale smoother.

What buyers' insurers look at

• Past claims on the property

• Roof age and condition

• Major systems — plumbing, electrical and HVAC

• Flood zone and flood history

Disclose accurately

The Texas seller's disclosure asks about past damage and repairs, and it includes questions about flooding, flood insurance claims and federal flood assistance. Answer fully and accurately. If you have legal questions about what to disclose, consult a real estate attorney.

Document repairs

If you've had claims, show how they were fixed. Gather:

• Contractor invoices and receipts

• Roof permits and warranties

• Before-and-after photos

Documented, professional repairs reassure buyers and their insurers.

Consider the roof

An older or worn roof can make insurance harder or more expensive for your buyer, which can affect offers. A roofing inspection before listing lets you decide whether to repair, replace or price accordingly.

Do past insurance claims affect selling a home? They can. A buyer's insurer may look at the property's claims history, and the Texas seller's disclosure asks about past damage and certain flood claims.

What records should I gather before listing? Repair receipts, roof permits or warranties, and documentation of how any past claims were resolved.