The Reveal: Can You Spot the Flaw in a "Perfect" Room?

It is easy to spot a water leak in a fixer-upper. It is much harder to spot one when you are distracted by high-end furniture and perfect staging.

In our latest photo quiz, we challenged you to find the material fact in this luxury North Carolina listing.

The Material Fact: The Water Stain on the Ceiling

Did you look up? In the midst of a beautifully staged room, there is a faint but distinct discoloration on the ceiling. In North Carolina, this evidence of water intrusion is a mandatory disclosure—it signals a potential roof leak or plumbing failure from the floor above.

The Distractor: The "Halo Effect"

There were no trick cracks or peeling paint in this photo. The only distractor was the quality of the home itself. As agents, we often suffer from the "Halo Effect"—assuming that because a house looks perfect and smells expensive, the bones must be solid.

How did you score? Did you get mesmerized by the decor, or did you remember to check the ceiling?

Test your team! Forward this post to a colleague and see if they can catch the leak, or if they get blinded by the luxury!

Keep training your eyes to spot these material facts quickly and confidently.

Next time you review a listing or show a property, pause and scan ceilings and walls carefully. Your ability to identify and disclose water damage will build trust and help buyers make informed decisions.

Do you need a refresher on material facts? Sign up for a CE Class today!

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