What document must be provided to a buyer before purchasing a property in Virginia?

In Virginia, a seller is required to provide a seller's disclosure statement to a buyer prior to the purchase of a property. This document is essential as it informs potential buyers about the condition of the property and any known issues or defects. The seller's disclosure statement serves to protect buyers by ensuring they have crucial details about the property, which can influence their purchasing decision.

This requirement fosters transparency in real estate transactions, allowing buyers to make informed choices based on the disclosures provided. It is important because it helps to establish an understanding of the property’s history, including any structural issues, environmental hazards, or previous damages that might not be immediately visible.

Other documents listed, such as a financing agreement, lease agreement, and property tax bill, serve different purposes in real estate transactions. A financing agreement pertains to the terms under which a buyer may borrow money to purchase a property but is not a prerequisite document for the transaction itself. A lease agreement relates specifically to rental situations rather than property sales. Lastly, a property tax bill provides information about taxes owed on the property but does not address the property's condition. Thus, the seller's disclosure statement remains the critical document needed for buyer awareness prior to purchase.