In real estate, what is puffing?

Puffing refers to the practice of making exaggerated or subjective claims about a property that cannot be objectively verified. This is often done by sellers or real estate agents to create a more appealing impression of the property. For instance, a seller might describe a home as "the best buy in the neighborhood" or "a rare gem" without providing specific evidence to back up these statements. Such language is typically seen as opinion rather than fact, which sets it apart from misrepresentation. Puffing is generally permissible in real estate, provided it doesn't cross the line into outright falsehoods.

The other choices relate to different aspects of real estate transactions. Reducing the price of a property pertains to price adjustments based on market conditions or seller motivations. Disclosing defects involves revealing any known issues with the property, which is a legal obligation under many circumstances to avoid misrepresentation. Negotiating terms of the sale refers to the discussions and agreements on aspects like price, closing dates, and contingencies. Each of these choices, while relevant to real estate, does not capture the essence of puffing.