Castle helping customers comply with new law.

Independent fuel distributor Castle is helping its customers comply with a new law requiring sellers of one- to four-family homes in New York State to provide buyers with detailed information concerning the condition of the property, announces Carla L. Romita, vice president.

This new disclosure statement, as prescribed in Article 14 of the Real Property Law, became effective March 1. It contains 48 questions designed to reveal the history and condition of the property. Categories include general information, environmental, structural, and mechanical systems and services.

Three of the questions refer to fuel storage tanks, fuel spills and the presence of fuel on the property. In order to help customers respond, Castle will provide a computer-generated report of historical information about the property. The report lists fuel deliveries, boiler/burner repairs and emergency service calls, including any documentation of fuel spills. Indicated on this report will be specific dates, type of fuel delivered, description of service provided, listing of parts repaired or replaced, costs and fees.

"Our total commitment to customer service means that we can access a complete history of a client's account," states Romita.

Castle has developed maintenance guidelines and service programs to help its customers operate a healthy, safe heating system. Whether or not they intend to stay in their homes, knowledgeable homeowners recognize that a properly working heating system is not merely an asset, but a necessity that should be properly cared for, maintained, and serviced year round.

Failure to provide a completed disclosure form can result in the seller having to give the buyer a $500 credit at closing. In addition, a knowingly false or incomplete statement by the seller may subject the seller to claims by the buyer prior to or after the transfer of title. The six-page form can be downloaded from the New York Department of State's web site at www.dos.state.ny.us.