Answers by Nichole Klier

Hi Tony, Great question—and one that comes up more often than you might think. Real estate disclosure requirements can vary by state, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with a local real estate professional or real estate attorney in your area. In many states (including here in Arizona), sellers are required to disclose any known material facts about the property that could affect a buyer’s decision. Even if the damage has been fully repaired and there are no remaining issues, a past fire is typically something that would be disclosed, along with the repairs/remediation that were completed. Providing documentation of the work done can also help reassure buyers. As for value, it really depends on the situation. If repairs were done properly and the home is in good condition, the impact is often minimal—but buyer perception can vary. Transparency tends to go a long way in maintaining trust and keeping a transaction on track. Best of luck with your sale!

Hi there, I’m sorry you had that experience—that’s definitely frustrating, especially when you’re on a tight timeline. The first thing I would recommend is reviewing any buyer broker agreement you may have signed with the brokerage or agent. In most cases, buyers are under a representation agreement, which could outline how to cancel or make changes. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the agent or their broker for clarification. Before making a full switch, it may be worth reaching out to the agent you originally connected with and sharing your concerns. Let them know you were expecting to work directly with them and how the experience felt. In many cases, this can be resolved quickly by ensuring you’re paired with the right person moving forward. If that doesn’t feel like a good fit, you can request to be released from the agreement or ask about reassignment within the same brokerage. Most professionals want you to feel comfortable and confident, and will work toward a solution—especially given your timeline. At the end of the day, you should feel supported and well-represented throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to advocate for that. Best of luck with your home search!