National portion

Disclosures & Environment vocabulary

4 terms, defined plainly. Where a term is commonly confused with another, the definition says so — that confusion is usually the wrong answer.

Material defect

A known problem affecting value or safety that must be disclosed to buyers — silence or concealment is misrepresentation.

Lead-based paint rule

Federal disclosure required for residential housing built BEFORE 1978 — disclosure, pamphlet, and a 10-day inspection opportunity for buyers.

Stigmatized property

Property psychologically impacted by an event (death, crime) — many states limit or excuse disclosure; not a physical defect.

Radon

Odorless radioactive soil gas that accumulates in basements — the leading environmental cause of lung cancer after smoking; testable and mitigable.