Have you heard your agent mention “Form 17” and wondered what it really means for your purchase in Everett? You are not alone. The Seller Disclosure Statement is one of the first documents that shapes how you evaluate a home in Washington. In this guide, you will learn what Form 17 covers, when you should receive it, how to read it like a pro, and which local checks matter most in Snohomish County. Let’s dive in.
What Form 17 is in Washington
Form 17 is Washington’s standard Seller Disclosure Statement under RCW 64.06. Sellers answer a series of questions about the property based on their actual knowledge. It is meant to inform you about known material facts that could affect safety, habitability, or value. The seller is not required to perform a professional inspection to complete the form.
Why it matters to buyers
Form 17 helps you spot issues early and decide where to focus your due diligence. It can guide which inspections you order and what records you should review. It also gives you a paper trail of the seller’s disclosures that can inform negotiations. Form 17 is a disclosure of the seller’s knowledge, not a warranty.
When you should receive it
In practice, sellers complete Form 17 early in the listing and provide it to interested buyers upon request. You should try to review it before making an offer, or at least before waiving contingencies. The statute sets timing and remedies, so review RCW 64.06 or consult an attorney for precise rules.
What Form 17 includes
Form 17 is a checklist with yes, no, or unknown answers and short explanations. While versions can change, you will usually see these sections:
Property condition and systems
- Roof and attic, including age, leaks, or repairs.
- Foundation and structure, such as settling or past structural work.
- Plumbing, including leaks, sewer issues, or repairs.
- Electrical, including older systems or known defects.
- Heating and cooling, with age and known issues.
- Appliances and built-ins, if included in the sale.
Water, waste, and site utilities
- Public water and sewer, or private well and septic details.
- Past flooding, backups, drainage, or water intrusion.
Environmental and hazardous items
- Asbestos, lead-based paint in homes built before 1978, mold, fuel tanks, or contaminated soil or groundwater.
- Radon testing or known concerns.
Pests and wood-destroying organisms
- Known infestations, rot, treatments, or repairs.
Legal and use conditions
- Boundary disputes, easements, encroachments, or litigation.
- Floodplain, shoreline, or critical area designations.
- HOA membership and recorded restrictions.
Attachments and comments
- Seller notes, reports, permits, service records, or invoices.
What Form 17 does not do
Form 17 does not certify condition or replace inspections. It will not take the place of a permit search, title review, HOA document review, or public-record checks. Some issues may be marked “unknown,” which is a signal to investigate further.
How to read Form 17 like a pro
Read it line by line, and mark items that need follow-up. Pay special attention to any “yes” answers and to the seller’s comments. Look for patterns, such as repeated water issues or multiple references to unpermitted work. Keep a running list of questions for the listing agent.
Smart follow-up steps
- Ask your agent to request clarifications in writing so you have a documented record.
- Use your inspection contingency to schedule targeted inspections tied to the disclosure.
- Request copies of any reports or permits the seller mentions.
- If concerns remain, discuss repair credits, price adjustments, or specific repairs in an addendum.
Common red flags to investigate
- Water intrusion, basement moisture, drainage or sump pump notes.
- Prior structural work, foundation repairs, or signs of settling.
- Unpermitted additions or remodels.
- Septic or well issues, or low well yield.
- Underground tanks or any contamination references.
- Outdated electrical systems or identified panel defects.
- Active disputes, encroachments, or easements that affect use.
- Pest damage, rot, or recent treatments.
- Pre-1978 homes without a clear lead-based paint disclosure.
Everett and Snohomish County specifics
Everett’s climate brings steady rainfall, so you should look closely at roof age, gutter and downspout function, site grading, and any water entry or moisture notes. Low-lying areas and parcels near the Snohomish River delta or shoreline may sit in a mapped flood zone, so confirm flood status and insurance needs. Many Everett neighborhoods include older homes, where electrical or plumbing updates and permit history matter.
For rural or edge-of-county properties, private wells and septic systems are common. Plan for a licensed septic inspection and well testing during your contingency period, and request available county health and permit records. Parts of Snohomish County include current or former industrial sites, so review any contamination references on the disclosure and compare with Washington Department of Ecology databases. Shoreline and stream-adjacent parcels can have critical areas or shoreline rules that affect future projects, so confirm those designations early.
Inspections to consider based on Form 17
Match your inspections to the disclosure items:
- Water intrusion or drainage: general home inspection, plus a drainage contractor or engineer for complex issues.
- Septic and well: licensed septic inspection and well water testing for bacteria, nitrate, and other contaminants.
- Older electrical systems: evaluation by a licensed electrician.
- Potential environmental issues: consult Washington Department of Ecology resources and order specialized testing if needed.
- Roof, chimney, HVAC: trade-specific inspections and service record review.
- Sewer line in city areas: sewer scope to assess line condition.
Public records to review
- Permits and inspection history from Snohomish County Planning and Development Services, or the City of Everett if inside city limits.
- Tax and parcel data from the Snohomish County Assessor.
- FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for flood zone status.
- Washington Department of Ecology cleanup site listings and release reports.
- Washington Department of Health well records and guidance on water safety.
- Title report for easements, encumbrances, and recorded restrictions.
What “as is” really means
An “as is” sale can affect your negotiation strategy and remedies, but it usually does not remove the seller’s duty to disclose known defects under Washington law. You should still read Form 17 carefully and complete all inspections and records checks. If legal questions come up, consult RCW 64.06 or speak with an attorney.
Next steps for Everett buyers
- Ask for Form 17 as early as possible, ideally before writing your offer.
- Flag any “yes” or “unknown” answers and request written clarifications.
- Use your inspection contingency to order targeted inspections.
- Pull key public records to verify permits, utilities, flood status, and any environmental notes.
- Work with your agent to negotiate repairs, credits, or terms that fit your goals.
Buying in Everett should feel informed and calm, not confusing. If you want a local, hands-on guide for reading Form 17 and planning a smart due diligence path, connect with Kelli Leese for clear next steps.
FAQs
What is Form 17 in Washington real estate?
- It is the Seller Disclosure Statement that lists a seller’s actual knowledge of material facts about a property under RCW 64.06.
Is Form 17 a guarantee the home is problem-free?
- No, it is not a warranty; you still need inspections and public-record checks to verify condition and history.
When should I review Form 17 during a purchase?
- Review it before writing your offer if possible, or at minimum before waiving any inspection or other contingencies.
What does “unknown” mean on Form 17?
- It indicates the seller does not have enough information to answer; treat it as a cue to investigate that item further.
Can I negotiate repairs or credits based on Form 17?
- Yes, use your inspection contingency and the seller’s disclosures to request repairs, credits, or contract changes in writing.
What local records should Everett buyers check?
- Snohomish County or City of Everett permits, assessor data, FEMA flood maps, WA Department of Ecology cleanup sites, and WA Department of Health well records.
