It's Best to Alert Potential Buyers to Sinkholes

  Question:  We have owned five acres of land in western Maricopa County for almost ten years. There are three sinkholes on the east boundary of our land.  When we sell our five acres of vacant land, will we have to disclose those sinkholes?

  Answer:  By sinkholes, I believe that you are talking about fissures, which are caused primarily by soil settling because of the lowering of the groundwater table in that area.  Although you may not have any obligation to disclose the three fissures on your land, if they are open and obvious to an inspection by a buyer, I would still recommend that you make this disclosure.