I would suggest going to the auditor/recorder site for the properties you are interested in and see what information you can find out there first. If you get too much runaround with a broker, you can always contact the owner directly. We had an experience with a rotten agent that gave us the idea to do this. We went to an open house and liked it so well we contacted the listing agent to see it again. The listing agent was awful. We were stuck in traffic and called to tell her we were running late and would be there 10 minutes later than arranged. She threw this up in our face when we got there. Her husband was standing next to her and acted like we didn't exist. He was such a sourpuss he wouldn't even respond when we said hello. The agent was condescending. She waved her hands around and talked down to us like one might speak to a small child. When we asked her questions about the house she cut us off or would say loudly "Wow, I don't know the answer to that question." The last straw was when she tried to tell us she would be representing us as well as the seller. We smiled and said we already had representation and thanked her for showing us the house. Then we went home and sent a letter to the owner telling him we were interested in the house ONLY if we never had to deal with this person again. The owner responded and said he would have someone else from the office meet with us. This person was better. We made an offer, they accepted. The house failed inspection. We kept track of the listing and noticed a month later that the owner had switched realty companies. I'm sure there are more than a few owners who would not be pleased with how their properties are being represented. This is why it pays to find out as much about a property as possible before contacting the broker, etc. If I were selling and someone wanted the information you asked for, I'd provide it or give you a darn good reason why not.

Here is the posters previous post... "We have been on the market for about 30 days. The last week we have had three showings and all of them good. The last one resulted in an offer. The other two lookers (both came back a second time) were promising but one family decided to buy in the school district where they were renting and the other couple hadn't put their house on the market yet and wanted to wait until they did before making an offer (can't imagine why they came back a second time, if that's the case). BUT, it was an insult. The buyers had previously looked at 25 houses and "liked ours the best". Yeah, right. We're listed at $429,000, a price that we feel is right in line with what has been selling around us. No foreclosures in our area. We are in a very desirable subdivision. The view from all of our rooms is fantastic (lake and mountains). Well, the buyers came in at $375,000. No house, with our amenities and view and our size, has sold for less than $425,000. We figured that they are going around making low-ball offers and so far haven't found anyone that desparate. Well, we counted with $414,000 and told our agent that that was the lowest, we weren't going to waste time negotiating with someone who wasn't in obvious good faith. Sure enough, our agent called this morning and said they wouldn't consider it. They are going to low-ball another house in our subdivision (the buyer's agent is in her office) without a view. That house is listed at $399,000. Views are very important in this area. I'll bet the buyers offer $350,000, if that. I know which house it is. I sure hope the sellers refuse to be insulted, also. By selling for less than their house is worth, they bring down the value of the rest of the houses in the subdivision. We were so relieved as we were going to do whatever we could to get out of selling to these particular buyers if they met our counter offer. Things like refusing to pay for any problems encountered, etc. So, now it's back to finding a good buyer." So, it seems as though there IS more to the story. Chances are those were good buyers and were only testing the waters. So, let's see... your lazy, overpaid mega agent found you a good buyer in less than one month, in the worst housing economy in decades, and you have the nerve to come on here and slamming not only her, but all agents?! The reason why your agent did not respond to you when you questioned her integrity is because we, as agents, hate to work for people like yourself. Good luck selling in a few months when prices will be even lower, and interest rates even higher. Your saying that if those buyers would have accepted your counter, then you would have tried everything to get out of the deal, really shows us all that you are a waaaay too unrealistic know - it - all. BTW... when is the last time you worked 75 hours a week on end, only hoping to get paid?

I am new in the area so do not know any other agent. I'm just thinking that IF I am interested in this, lots has to be worked out and I've always thought that you don't get the best deal with the listing agent. As far as I'm concerned, this guy is taking me through the house,,I ask some questions and then say goodnight. I do not intend to tell the listing agent anything about my circumstances. Right thing to do??? I will not sign anything - not in a position to right away, although I am looking at something I can afford and will not have trouble getting mortgage. I have no idea about the dual agency. I have already scheduled tomorrow night with the listing agent. I do not have to buy at this time...I'm not pressured, that is why I just called to agent to "look-see." It is not a hot market, it is a rather different set-up and think probably not a lot of offers. It has been listed for about 6 mos. Thanks for your comments and listening as I think it out!!

Are the walls painted a dark or bright, or deep color? If they are then i might think of painting them. If they are more neutral I would do as jmm said first. You can always give a painting allowance in the sales contract. The chance of YOU picking the the exact colors that I would are fairly slim. Wouldn't spend the money unless I had to