What is a consequence of misrepresenting property details?

Misrepresenting property details can lead to legal action due to several legal principles that govern real estate transactions, such as fraud and misrepresentation. When a seller or agent provides false information about a property's characteristics—such as its size, condition, or zoning—buyers may rely on that information to make their purchasing decisions. If it is later discovered that the information was inaccurate or deceptive, the affected parties (typically the buyers) may seek to take legal action against the seller or their representatives to recover damages. This could result in litigation, fines, or even the rescission of the sale.

In contrast, the other potential consequences listed are unlikely outcomes for misrepresentation. For example, while some may think that misleading details might temporarily increase buyer interest, this interest typically wanes quickly when the truth comes to light, leading to decreased trust and satisfaction. Similarly, misrepresentation does not improve sales performance in the long run; rather, it can harm the reputation of the seller and the agent, which may severely impact future transactions. Lower marketing costs also do not apply, as deceptive marketing often requires more resources to cover up inaccuracies and handle the fallout from buyer dissatisfaction and potential legal issues. Thus, legal action stands out as the most direct and severe consequence of misrepresent