What is the primary purpose of a real estate disclosure statement?

The primary purpose of a real estate disclosure statement is to inform buyers of property defects. This document is designed to provide transparency about the condition of a property, allowing potential buyers to make informed decisions. By disclosing known issues, such as water damage, pest infestations, or structural problems, sellers fulfill their legal obligations and help prevent disputes later on regarding hidden defects that may not be immediately apparent.

The other options focus on aspects that are not the main function of a disclosure statement. Outlining commission fees pertains to the financial aspects of the real estate transaction, rather than the physical attributes of the property itself. Establishing zoning laws involves local government regulations and is unrelated to individual property disclosures. Providing appraisal values relates to a property's market worth rather than revealing its condition or defects. Hence, the focus of the disclosure statement is rightly on informing buyers about any issues that could affect their decision to purchase the property.