What is considered a material fact in real estate?

In real estate, a material fact is a piece of information that could influence a buyer's decision to purchase a property. A seller's divorce is considered a material fact because it may affect their motivation and urgency to sell, potentially impacting the sale price or terms. Factors influencing the transaction, such as emotional distress or financial considerations arising from a divorce, may alter the seller's conduct or the market dynamics associated with the property.

The other options, while they may be relevant to the condition or usability of the property, do not generally rise to the level of materiality that would significantly impact a buyer's decision-making process regarding the purchase of the property. For example, a past leak from years ago or the absence of specific electrical features may be concerning but do not fundamentally change the buyer's understanding of the property's value or potential. Similarly, the functionality of an appliance might be important but typically would not be a deal-breaker or major influencing factor in the context of the broader transaction.