What must real estate agents include in their disclosures when selling a property?

When selling a property, real estate agents are required to include specific property features and encroachments in their disclosures. This is crucial because potential buyers need to be fully informed about what they are purchasing. Disclosing property features allows buyers to understand the condition and characteristics of the property, which can significantly influence their purchasing decision. Additionally, informing buyers about encroachments—like structures that may overstep property boundaries—helps prevent legal disputes after a sale. Overall, transparency around these elements protects both the buyer and the seller and promotes a fair transaction in the real estate market.

In contrast, personal financial information about the agent, ethnic backgrounds of buyers, and future neighborhood development plans are not required in disclosures. Personal financial information is private and not relevant to property transactions. Buyers' ethnic backgrounds are protected under fair housing laws and should not be disclosed or considered in a real estate transaction. Future development plans can be uncertain and may not always be disclosed unless they are officially approved or relevant for the property in question. Therefore, including specific property features and encroachments is the most critical and legally required aspect of disclosures in real estate transactions.