North Carolina requires most residential sellers to complete a Residential Property Disclosure Statement, a standardized form covering known material facts about the property — things like structural issues, roof condition, water intrusion history, HVAC and plumbing system condition, known defects, and environmental hazards the seller is aware of. The disclosure is based on the seller's actual knowledge, not a requirement to investigate or test things you don't already know about. The key legal principle is that the disclosure must accurately reflect what the seller actually knows, not what a professional inspection might find. Sellers aren't required to hire inspectors or investigate issues before selling, but they can't misrepresent known problems, and knowingly failing to disclose a known material defect can create legal liability after closing, even years later in some cases. North Carolina does allow sellers to select "Owner No Representation" on portions of the disclosure form, which effectively opts out of making specific representations, shifting more of the burden onto the buyer's own inspection and due diligence. This is a legitimate legal option some sellers use, though it can affect how buyers perceive the property and doesn't protect against liability for actively concealing a known issue. Certain transactions are exempt from the disclosure requirement, including some new construction sales, foreclosure sales, and transfers between family members, among other specific exemptions defined by state law. For most standard resale transactions, though, completing the disclosure form accurately and honestly is both a legal requirement and a practical way to reduce the risk of post-closing disputes or legal claims, since a well-documented disclosure creates a paper trail showing what was and wasn't known and represented at the time of sale.