What type of defects does 'patent' refer to?

Patent defects refer to issues or flaws that are readily observable or visible upon a reasonable inspection. These are defects that do not require invasive methods to detect and can be identified easily by anyone looking at the property. For instance, a visible crack in a wall or a broken window would be considered a patent defect because they are apparent and can be seen without excessive effort.

In contrast, hidden defects, which are not visibly apparent and might require specialized knowledge or techniques to uncover, fall under a different category. Potential future defects refer to issues that may arise later on, but do not currently exist, while legal defects pertain to problems related to the title or ownership rights of a property. Understanding the distinction between these types of defects is crucial for real estate transactions, as it affects how properties are evaluated, valued, and sold.