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

Founded in 1934 and located in Garden, CA with 1993 membership of 9,000, the IRWA is a professional association of appraisers, property managers, title examiners, and others having interest ...

time period, as established by state statute, during which a property owner can redeem a defaulted mortgage or land contract or reclaim a foreclosed property. A property owner acting ...

Aerial navigation that may interfere with a property owner, such as creating undue noise. The value of land near an airport may decline in value for this reason. Further airport congestion ...

Individual who attempts to maximize his or her profitability by investing which the anticipation that a particular investment will go up in value. A speculator will generally be willing to ...

Will not meeting all the requirements of a valid will. ...

A loan that is to be replaced by a permanent loan. ...

Geographic location that is gradually being developed as an urban area. ...

Document stating one has an ownership interest but not direct control in an asset, estate, or business. While one shares in the benefits of ownership including profits, the direct control ...

The definition of dereliction is the intentional property abandonment or desertion with no hope of returning or recovery of a property. Dereliction is the act of abandonment, neglect of ...

Popular Real Estate Questions