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

Refurbishing or rebuilding a property, such as a house, back to its original or earlier condition. ...

Land surveying measurement that is 16.5 feet in length, or 5 1/2 yards. A perch is also called a rod or a pole. Today the term perch is seldom used. It is found in old deeds, surveys, and ...

The definition of reversion in real estate is the return of property or assets to their original owner after a prespecified event or occurrence. This real estate term is used primarily in ...

Fees that all tenants or owners must pay for the cost of maintaining common areas. ...

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 ...

Expenditures incurred building a structure, including material and labor. ...

Space reserved for specified vehicles. For example, an office building may have space available for automobiles of tenants, clients of tenants, and other visitors. Parking facilities may be ...

A contractual clause where one party assumes a liability risk for another. Thus, a hold harmless clause effectively indemnifies the named party from any liability by transferring the risk ...

Form of deed used in the transfer or real property. It is somewhat narrower than a warranty deed in terms of covenants and warranties. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions