What is the term for providing false information about a property that can influence a buyer's decision?

The term that accurately reflects the act of providing false information about a property, which can significantly affect a buyer's decision-making process, is misrepresentation. This refers to any act of untruthful communication regarding a property’s characteristics, condition, or value that leads potential buyers to form an erroneous perception.

Misrepresentation can take several forms, including outright lies, misleading statements, or a failure to disclose critical information. When a seller or their agent knowingly provides inaccurate details that influence a buyer's assessment of the property, it constitutes misrepresentation. It is essential in real estate transactions to ensure transparency and honesty to maintain trust and uphold legal obligations.

Exaggeration, while similar, generally implies overstating the truth rather than presenting false information as factual. Concealment focuses on withholding crucial information rather than providing false data. A fraudulent claim indicates a more severe intent to deceive, often involving illegal actions, but misrepresentation specifically encompasses a broader range of misleading statements that do not necessarily require an intention to commit fraud.