There are many advantages to working with a Realtor when buying or selling a home. One of the less known facts is perhaps one of the most important and that concerns the Realtor's obligation to disclose.
Of course, we have a general obligation to exercise care and skill on behalf of our clients. There is a code of conduct we must abide by and this duty only makes sense. After all, we experts in our field and if we can't be relied on, who can? We must also ensure that the information we provide is complete and accurate. On this front, we are accountable.
But, if we are aware of a flaw with the property or a possible future problem, we must inform our client. Suspicion of water damage? Yup. It's out job to learn what we can about this, give it to the client and let them decide what to do about it. Dead body under the basement floor? Yup. The client will want to know the source of any future odor or fly infestation.
I wonder how many Realtors are aware of this obligation to disclose.
