An agent advertises that the seller's house is "the cutest house in the neighborhood." What is this an example of?

The statement "the cutest house in the neighborhood" is an example of puffing, which refers to exaggerated claims made by a seller or agent that are not meant to be taken literally. Puffing is often used in real estate to create a favorable impression without making factual representations. Such expressions are subjective opinions rather than verifiable facts, meaning they do not legally bind the agent in terms of truthfulness.

Puffing is acceptable in the realm of marketing as it is typically understood that these types of statements are meant to enhance the appeal of a property rather than mislead potential buyers. In contrast, misrepresentation would involve providing false information that leads to legal consequences, and deceptive advertising refers to practices that intentionally mislead consumers about a product or service. Fair marketing generally implies adherence to ethical standards and truthful claims, which are not aligned with subjective opinions such as "the cutest house."