“Everybody lies.” That was the cynical rationale for the way Gregory House of House M.D. on Fox, treated his patients. Then we have the infamous little white lie, which in the context of real estate, might be along the lines of “you have a lovely home” when you’re really thinking “how do you live like this?”
On the flip side, we have the Biblical reference in John 8:32, “the truth will set you free.” When you testify in court or at a deposition, you promise to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” And I have to throw in something from Judge Judy, “when you tell the truth, you don’t need a good memory.”
When you are selling your house, you have to certify that the statements you are making are true “to the best of your knowledge.” Not telling the truth about anything—that time when you ran the bath water then fell asleep and caused a flood — is more trouble than it’s worth. The disclosure helps to convey that you are a trustworthy person. The failure to disclose makes it look like there was terrible flooding that may require a new roof or subfloors. See? Telling the truth is so much better. Plus, if you lie about one thing, people will assume you are lying about others. What actually happened was probably something minor, but leave it to people’s imaginations, and they will think it is major. Not only that, but you are tarnishing your realtor’s integrity. Surely they wouldn’t risk their license for your lie, but that knowledge would be attributed to them anyway.
So just tell the truth. And best of luck as you move on to your next adventure.
