ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

Meeting the Players

Selecting a Real Estate Agent to Help You Buy a Home

What should I tell a real estate agent about my personal situation?

If you have hired a buyer's agent, you may feel free to discuss all aspects of the sale. If you are working with anyone else, you may want to withhold certain information that could be useful to the seller. Remember, unless you have hired a buyer's agent, the agents you are working with may actually represent the seller and are required to disclose all relevant information you might give them to the seller.

Some people suggest that you disclose only home styles, prices, and amenities you want when working with a traditional agent. Otherwise, the agent could convey personal information, such as the fact that your lease expires in two months or that you are willing to bid a higher price on a home, to the seller and ultimately hurt you in the negotiation process. You can avoid discussing financial information that could be shared with a prospective seller by prequalifying for a loan.