Georgia FSBO Disclosure Requirements for Savannah Sellers (2026)

Georgia follows a caveat emptor tradition but with significant fraud liability exceptions. For Savannah FSBO sellers, the practical disclosure considerations are the Sellers' Property Disclosure Statement (standard in all Georgia contracts), Chatham County's extensive FEMA flood zone coverage, historic structure lead paint and condition issues, and the region's active termite populations.

Georgia Disclosure Framework

Georgia is technically a caveat emptor state — sellers are not legally required to proactively disclose all conditions by statute. However:

Georgia standard real estate contracts (GAR forms) include the Sellers' Property Disclosure Statement

Georgia courts impose liability for active fraud and fraudulent concealment

Georgia case law has eroded strict caveat emptor in many contexts

Practical result for FSBO sellers: Complete the Georgia Sellers' Property Disclosure Statement as if required. It's expected in all professional Georgia transactions, protects you legally, and demonstrates good faith to buyers.

Savannah Coastal Flood Zone Disclosure

Chatham County sits largely at low elevation near tidal waterways. FEMA flood zones are extensive throughout the county:

Tybee Island: predominantly Zone AE and VE (high-risk coastal)

Wilmington Island: extensive Zone AE coverage

Isle of Hope: some flood zone areas

Downtown Savannah waterfront: Zone AE in low-lying areas

Pooler: generally Zone X (lower risk, slightly elevated terrain)

The Georgia disclosure form asks about flooding and drainage. Disclose:

FEMA flood zone status (check msc.fema.gov)

Any flooding during ownership (including "sunny day" tidal flooding)

Any flood insurance currently in force

Any FEMA assistance received

Historic District Property Disclosures

Savannah's historic district contains homes that are 100–200 years old. Common condition issues in historic properties:

Lead paint: Universal in pre-1940 Savannah homes. Federal disclosure mandatory.

Knob-and-tube wiring: Pre-WWII homes may retain original or partially replaced wiring. Disclose if present — insurance carriers often surcharge or decline knob-and-tube properties.

Foundation settlement: Savannah's soft coastal soils have allowed settlement and movement in older structures. Disclose any known foundation concerns.

Cast iron plumbing: Original cast iron drain lines in very old properties can corrode. Disclose any known plumbing issues.

Moisture and mold: Savannah's subtropical humidity combined with old construction creates moisture management challenges. Disclose any known mold history.

Termite Disclosure in Savannah

Savannah's climate creates year-round termite activity, including Formosan subterranean termites (an aggressive, highly destructive species particularly prevalent in coastal Georgia and adjacent states). For historic wood-frame structures in the historic district, termite damage risk is especially significant.

Disclose: infestation history, any structural damage, treatment history, and current termite bond. A current bond ($75–$175/year) from a licensed Georgia pest control company is a standard expectation.

Georgia Transfer Tax

$1.00 per $1,000 of consideration. On a $345,000 Savannah sale: $345. One of the lowest transfer tax rates in the US.

Georgia FSBO Disclosure Requirements for Savannah Sellers (2026)

Georgia FSBO Disclosure Requirements for Savannah Sellers (2026)

Georgia Disclosure Framework

Savannah Coastal Flood Zone Disclosure

Historic District Property Disclosures

Termite Disclosure in Savannah

Georgia Transfer Tax

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