Mark Mahaffey and Associates | Best Real Estate Agents in Greater Athens & Surrounding Areas

What Are the “Must Disclose” Items When Selling Your Home in 2026?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Mark Mahaffey is the Broker and President of Mark Mahaffey and Associates Real Estate, a full-service real estate firm based in Athens and Watkinsville, Georgia.

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Do you know what you’re legally required to disclose in 2026 when selling a home? I’ve worked with sellers who weren’t sure whether small issues like a past water leak or a roof problem needed to be disclosed. Leaving something out like that could have put the entire sale at risk.

When it comes to selling a home, my advice is simple: disclose, disclose, disclose. If buyers find out about something after the fact, it can lead to canceled contracts or even legal issues. A good rule of thumb I follow is if a buyer would want to know about it before making an offer, it needs to be disclosed.

Getting it all out in the open from the start keeps the sale on track and avoids surprises down the road. So, before you sell, here are three things you should disclose to your buyers.

1. Material defects. These are problems that affect the value of your home or even the safety of the people living in it. That includes foundation cracks, plumbing issues, faulty electrical systems, or roof leaks. Even smaller issues, like water damage, fall into this category.

Being honest about these things upfront prevents last-minute problems and helps buyers feel confident about their purchase.

“If a buyer wants to know about it before making an offer, it needs to be disclosed.”

2. History of repairs or renovations. If you’ve done major work on your home—like remodeling a kitchen, installing a new roof, or updating systems—sharing that information is crucial. Buyers want to know about permits, warranties, and any issues that came up during the project that you corrected.

Big-ticket renovations in particular can affect a home’s value down the line, so transparency here keeps your sale moving smoothly.

3. Environmental hazards. These always need to be disclosed, including lead paint, radon, asbestos, or mold. I recently worked with a buyer who was extremely cautious about air quality, and this level of diligence is becoming more common in 2026. Many buyers are hiring environmental inspectors to check for potential contamination.

Any known environmental issues should be shared, even if they seem minor, because skipping this step can lead to lawsuits or canceled contracts. When in doubt, consult a real estate expert to stay protected.

Being transparent doesn’t just help the buyer—it protects you, too. Sellers who disclose everything upfront avoid surprises, prevent legal problems, and keep the sale on track. It builds trust and shows buyers that your home is reliable, which can make the process much smoother for everyone involved.

If you have questions about disclosures or the selling process, I’m here to help. I’ve worked with dozens of happy clients, and I’d love to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to sell now or just starting to think about it, give me a call at 706-543-3008 or email m.mahaffey@markmahaffey.com. I’m happy to give you the guidance you need to maximize your sale price and make the process as smooth as possible.

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What Steps Should I Take To Prepare My Home for Sale in Georgia?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

By Mark Mahaffey

Mark Mahaffey is the Broker and President of Mark Mahaffey and Associates Real Estate, a full-service real estate firm based in Athens and Watkinsville, Georgia.

Get the Most from Your Next Move. Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your story. Book an Appointment

Are you thinking about selling your home in Georgia? In today’s market, buyers aren’t looking for a fixer-upper. They want a home they can just move into, throw down their blanket and pillow, and be done with it. So if you’re planning to sell but don’t know where to start, I’m going to walk you through the steps to get your home looking its best, sell for top value, and avoid any headaches along the way.

1. Clean and declutter. It’s easy to get used to the things in your home and forget how personal items, like photos or other knick-knacks, can distract buyers. Take those items down, clear off your surfaces, and give your home a thorough cleaning. Then, go over it again, and one more time for good measure.

Buyers also notice smells as much as they notice clutter. Fresh cleaning scents are fine, but pet odors or dirty laundry can make them turn around and leave. A clean, uncluttered home makes it much easier for buyers to picture themselves living there.

2. Make your home move-in ready. Look at your home the way a buyer will. Pretend you haven’t lived there for years and see it with fresh eyes. You might notice little things you’ve been meaning to fix for a while, and this is the time to take care of them.

I also recommend doing a pre-listing inspection. It can be really helpful to spot any issues before they become a problem. Fixing small things ahead of time saves you from last-minute negotiations after an offer comes in and helps you get the best value for your home.

3. Stage the home. After cleaning and repairing, it’s time to stage your home. You don’t need to hire a professional stager. In fact, a friend or family member looking at your home with fresh eyes is all you need. See where it feels cluttered or empty and make adjustments. You can even rent a storage unit temporarily to move extra items out. Staging makes your home look larger and more inviting, which buyers really respond to.

“Preparing your home carefully before listing helps it sell faster, for more money, and with less stress.”

4. Price it right. Pricing your home correctly is crucial. If you set it too high, it can scare buyers away and make it seem like you are not serious about selling.

One thing I’ve seen work time and time again is pricing competitively, sometimes even a little lower than expected. That creates excitement, brings more people through the door, and often ends up driving the price up. Getting your pricing strategy right from the start gives your home the best chance to sell quickly and for top value.

5. Partner with a great real estate agent. Selling a home is about more than just doing the basics. Too many sellers fall into what I like to call the three Ps of marketing, and they are things you definitely want to avoid:

Placing a sign in the yard
Putting a lockbox on the door
Praying that it sells

Relying on these alone almost never gets the results you want, but having a skilled agent brings so much more to the table.

When you work with Mark Mahaffey and Associates Real Estate, you get guidance and support at every step. I’ve been in the business for many years, and I can help with pricing, guide you through the process, and handle negotiations. Working with the right agent makes selling smoother and gives you a better chance of a successful sale.

So, clean, declutter, stage, price it right, and work with the right agent, and you set yourself up for the best possible outcome. If you have any questions about preparing your home or pricing it, give me a call at 706-540-0336 or email m.mahaffey@markmahaffey.com, and we can talk through your questions. I’m happy to help.

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Welcome to Our Blog!

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

By Mark Mahaffey

Mark Mahaffey is the Broker and President of Mark Mahaffey and Associates Real Estate, a full-service real estate firm based in Athens and Watkinsville, Georgia.

Get the Most from Your Next Move. Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your story. Book an Appointment

Hello and welcome to our video blog! We are thrilled to have you here as part of our growing community of homeowners, future homeowners, and real estate enthusiasts. As dedicated real estate agents, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights, tips, and updates to help you navigate the ever-changing real estate market with confidence and ease.

In this video blog, you can expect to find a variety of content designed to support you at every stage of your real estate journey. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:

Home Selling Tips

Thinking about selling your home? We got you covered. Learn the best practices for preparing your home for sale, pricing it right, and attracting potential buyers. Our goal is to ensure that you get the best possible return on your investment with minimal stress.

“Being well-informed is key to making strategic moves in real estate.”

Home Buying Tips

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, We will share practical advice to help you find the perfect home. From understanding mortgage options to negotiating the best deals, these posts will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

Market Updates

Stay informed with the latest trends and developments in the real estate market. We will provide regular updates on market conditions, interest rates, and other factors that can influence your buying or selling decisions. Being well-informed is key to making strategic moves in real estate.

These videos will cover everything from navigating a home sale to expert interviews, giving you a front-row seat to the latest in real estate.

We are committed to making this blog a valuable resource for you, whether you’re actively buying or selling, or simply interested in learning more about the market. If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the content to better serve your needs.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!

Get the Most from Your Next Move. Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your story. Book an Appointment
Free Home Valuation. Don’t trust a Zestimate. Get a personalized home valuation directly from our team. Get Estimate
Free Newsletter. Get our latest Q&A, insights, and market updates to make smarter decisions. Subscribe Now