How much should we tell a realtor showing us houses?

We're going to see houses for the first time -- yeah!!! And I'm afraid to tell the agent showing us around *too* much information.

How much info did you give your agent? How big of a price range, etc?

TIA!

Re: How much should we tell a realtor showing us houses?

I would give a range that you're comfortable with. You don't want to have an RE showing you homes that are a stretch (b/c you're bound to fall in one you can't afford), but you also want to see homes that aren't priced too low. With the way the market is these days, I would be comfortable just saying "mid 500s" or something like that, b/c it's vague but should give you a range of homes.

Re: How much should we tell a realtor showing us houses?

You should get pre qualified first before you start looking with an re agent - I am surprised that the first visit you have with the agent isnt in the office getting you pre qualified or having you sign the disclosure form - that is the proper way
Scott

Re: How much should we tell a realtor showing us houses?

If you have a maximum amount you want to spend, I would tell the agent a little less than that. If they know you're willing to pay htat much, they may not fight as much for a lower price for you.
I'd be pretty honest with the agent though, so that they can know exactly what it is you're looking for.
Good Luck!

Re: How much should we tell a realtor showing us houses?

I think it depends on if they are working as a buyer's or a seller's agent. If they are working as a seller's agent (which they are unless you specifically sign with them to be a buyer's agent) they are working for the seller even if you have contacted them and they are showing you different houses. But honestly, I wouldn't tell them the maximum amount you would pay, either way.

In my own situation, we did tell our agent off-handedly the highest we would go and eventually we did sign her as a Buyer's Agent -- but when we finally bought our home we ended-up paying the amount we had mentioned would be our highest -- maybe it was a coincidence? I don't know. But do give them a range, you don't want to waste your time or get your heart set on something you can't afford.