When selling a home in Colorado, due diligence documents help provide transparency and set expectations for buyers. You are only required to provide documents that exist and are in your possession. Understanding what buyers focus on can help you prepare without unnecessary stress.

What Buyers Pay Attention To

• Known unpermitted work involving structural, electrical, or plumbing changes

• Repeated insurance claims, especially water or foundation-related claims

• Open or unresolved city or county violations

• Engineering or structural reports showing unresolved issues

• HOA issues tied to unapproved improvements

What Buyers Usually Don’t Panic About

• Finished basements without permits when the seller has contractor receipts or documentation (this is very common—many sellers do not pull permits for basement finishes)

• Missing permits from many years ago

• Expired warranties

• Missing receipts for older repairs

• Outdated inspection reports

• Not knowing exact details from previous owners

Helpful Tip: Buyers are encouraged to talk with their home inspector about finished basements—including workmanship, safety, and current condition—rather than relying on permits alone.

Bottom Line: Transparency matters more than perfection. Sharing what you have, disclosing what you know, and setting realistic expectations helps build buyer confidence and keeps transactions moving smoothly.