Short answer
Everything you know about the property's condition that a reasonable buyer would care about, whether or not the form asks. The state's form states that sellers must disclose known material defects even if not addressed on the printed form. It covers roof, basement, plumbing, heating, electrical, environmental, flood and more, and the buyer must receive it before signing.
The duty is bigger than the form
The New Jersey form says the seller is aware of being under an obligation to disclose any known material defects in the property even if not addressed in the printed form. It also says the seller alone is the source of all the information. The form defines a defect as material if a reasonable person would attach importance to its existence or non-existence in deciding whether or how to proceed in the transaction. So when in doubt, say it.
What the form asks about
The statement is organized in sections: occupancy, roof, attic and basement, termites and pests, structural items, additions and remodels, plumbing, water and sewage, heating and air conditioning, woodburning stoves and fireplaces, the electrical system, land, soils and drainage, environmental hazards, deed restrictions and associations, and a miscellaneous section that asks about legal action, violations and liens. Later pages cover radon, major appliances and flood risk. For a multi-unit property, answer for every unit and system.
What the form does not do
The form says it is not a warranty and not a substitute for the buyer's own inspection. The buyer's receipt on the form says the buyer received the statement before signing a contract of sale, that the buyer may hire professionals to inspect at the buyer's expense, and that a visual inspection by the seller's broker is not a professional home inspection. It also says the seller's broker visually inspected with reasonable diligence before giving it to the buyer.
Answering honestly without guessing
Use yes, no or unknown where the form allows it. Attach reports you have, such as a radon test, a tank closure certificate, a survey or a termite inspection. The form lets the seller name the person whose credible representation the seller relied on, which helps when you inherited the house or bought it recently. If an answer is uncertain, write what you know and the source. Your attorney can review the draft before it goes to a buyer.
If the house needs work
A house with problems can still be sold, and the form is where you describe them. Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Ask your attorney what to disclose to any buyer. Listing with an agent is another option if you want to fix items first.