What type of marketing claim is an overly exaggerated description of a property?

The correct answer is puffery. Puffery refers to promotional statements that are subjective and not meant to be taken literally. In real estate, puffery often involves hyperbolic or exaggerated descriptions of a property that are intended to create an appealing image for potential buyers. For example, calling a small yard "a sprawling estate" is a form of puffery—it enhances the attractiveness of the property without providing a factual representation while still adhering to guidelines that distinguish puffery from outright false claims.

This type of marketing is typically considered acceptable within certain bounds, as it focuses on opinions and enthusiasm rather than objectively false statements. It operates in a gray area of marketing and relies on the idea that consumers recognize the exaggerated nature of such claims. In contrast, terms like false advertising or deceptive practices refer to statements that assert facts that are untrue or misleading, which can lead to legal ramifications and a breach of trust with potential buyers. Misleading representation also implies an intention to deceive or mislead, which goes beyond the subjective nature of puffery.