Definition of "Full disclosure"

Mike Flannagan real estate agent

Written by

Mike Flannaganelite badge icon

RE/MAX Select Properties

In a broader sense, Full Disclosure means presenting all information (significant or not, classified or not) related to a certain matter.

In Real Estate, the term “Full Disclosure” can be used in different situations… it can be used as a requirement for a lender to disclose to borrowers the effective cost of a loan; its terms, conditions and all the fine print. But also, and more commonly, to refer to a requirement a real estate broker – or a home seller going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route – has of providing all known information about the condition of a property - its structural flaws, its average energy consumption, its blueprint etc. – to the home buyer. If after the sale the home buyer discovers information discrepancy both the real estate broker and the former homeowner are eligible to get sued for not giving the full disclosure.

That’s why the services of a home inspector are so important. It becomes his/her responsibility to disclose all the problems of the house. Any liability becomes his/hers.

There are disclosure forms so no one says “but how would I know I had to look for that?”. There are federal disclosure requirements but also, because every locality has its own characteristics, state disclosure requirements.

Real Estate Tips:

Full disclosure? Find a real estate agent because without them everything becomes much more difficult!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Something that has been built and physically exists at a specified location, such as a building, garage, etc. Something consisting of related parts, such as the organization and terms of ...

In a broader sense, Full Disclosure means presenting all information (significant or not, classified or not) related to a certain matter. In Real Estate, the term “Full ...

When you hear someone in real estate saying there will be a boring test, they don't mean a dull exam is coming up. What is a soil boring test? Let's find out the meaning of a boring test! ...

The individual who receives an interest in a life estate after the original life tenant's interest expires. This normally occurs after the death of the life tenant. For example, Mrs. ...

Legal order for a person to present at a deposition or trial documents in his possession, such as related to a real estate transaction. ...

Unit of measure for the change in interest rates for loans. One basis point equates to 1 percent of 1 percent, that is, 0.01 percent. Therefore, one hundred basis points equals 1 percent. ...

Landlord's right to receive the value of the tenant's property to pay for unpaid rents or for damages to the leased premises. ...

Current cost to replace property with an identical property after allowing for the depreciated value of the property. ...

A partition or wall that provides no support to the structure in which it is located. For example, a nonbearing partition or wall does not support any floors above it. A partition which ...

Popular Real Estate Questions