Full Disclosure
Definition of "Full disclosure"
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!
Popular Real Estate Terms
If you have ever participated in a tricky real estate transaction, you might have encountered the relatively unknown term "deed of confirmation" or "confirmation deed." Read this ...
Mortgage guaranteed up to 30 years by the Veterans Administration to veterans meeting minimum requirements. Originally established by the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, amended ...
partially factory-assembled units designed to be transported in parts to the site. The structure is completed on the actual site. ...
Method of construction where part of the structure is supported by a cantilever beam or truss. ...
An equity-to-value ratio is an excellent tool for those homebuyers that want to understand how profitable an investment is based on the amount of money invested and the actual value of the ...
Revised specifications requiring a modification in work. ...
An increase in the income tax basis of a property that is a result of a tax-free exchange. As a result of an inheritance, for example, the basis of the inherited property was stepped up to ...
People often need help understanding the difference between offeror vs offeree in real estate. A rhythm sets the stage from the first step in real estate transactions. It's the interaction ...
(1) Agreement where the broker and the seller agree to mutual performance. The broker agrees to advertise the property at the agreed sale terms with the intention of putting together buyer ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.