What must a real estate agent disclose to a prospective buyer?

A real estate agent is required to disclose any known material defects in the property to a prospective buyer. This obligation stems from the duty of honesty and transparency that agents owe to their clients and potential buyers. Material defects refer to significant issues that could affect the value or safety of the property, such as structural problems, plumbing issues, pest infestations, or environmental hazards. Failing to disclose such defects could lead to legal consequences for the agent and might also compromise the buyer's ability to make an informed decision about the property.

In contrast, while discussions about personal opinions, financial history, or future development plans may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not constitute mandatory disclosures as defined by real estate regulations. Agents are typically not obligated to offer subjective opinions about the seller or speculate on future developments unless those directly impact the property being sold.