Understanding the things that a Realtor is obligated to disclose to buyers.
As a homebuyer, knowing the ins and outs of a property can make all the difference in your decision-making process. Today, let’s delve into the concept of material facts—critical information that realtors are obligated to disclose to their clients.
“Maintaining trust and transparency is paramount in real estate transactions.”
Material facts encompass a wide array of details that could significantly impact a property’s value or desirability. Here are some examples of what you should expect to be informed about:
- Structural Work. Any past structural modifications to the house.
- Foreclosure Status. Whether the seller is facing foreclosure, which could affect the transaction timeline.
- Mold. The presence of mold within the property, vital for health and safety considerations.
- Environmental Factors. Nearby noise, odors, or floodplain status.
- Credit Issues. If a potential buyer has bad credit, it could affect their financing options.
- Zoning. Current zoning regulations and any potential changes that may impact future property use.
- Synthetic Stucco. Information regarding synthetic stucco on the property, which could have maintenance implications.
While these are examples of material facts that should be disclosed, here are a few details that realtors are not obligated to reveal:
- Square Footage. The exact square footage of the property.
- Stigmatized Events. Occurrences such as suicides or the history of occupants like convicted murderers.
- Demographic Information. The makeup of the neighborhood.
- School Quality. Information about the quality of nearby schools.
- Health Conditions. Whether an occupant had AIDS, unless directly relevant to property safety.
- Previous Repairs. Details about past issues like roof leaks, once they have been adequately addressed.
Maintaining trust and transparency is paramount in real estate transactions. It’s essential for sellers to err on the side of caution and disclose as much relevant information as possible. This not only fosters confidence among buyers but also ensures ethical conduct throughout the process.
If you’re unsure about what constitutes a material fact or have any questions regarding a property or neighborhood, don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email. Clarity and open communication lay the foundation for successful and satisfactory real estate experiences.
If you want to speak with me about this, don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting. Here is my calendly.