Top Contributors (View All)

Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You

What should I not tell my realtor when selling?

Are there things I shouldn't tell my realtor when selling the home? Or personal life and finance things that I should keep to myself? If there's something I should keep private, how do I avoid telling them.
Asked By Wendy | Springfield, MO | 789 views | Tips Advice | 2 years ago
Answer(6)
Sort By:
Chris Hoffman

Lehigh Valley Just Listed, LLC

Your real estate agent works for you, and in your best interest. In most state they have a fiduciary responsability to leagally and ethically work in yoru highest and best interest. Therefore, its in your best interest to disclose everything you can. In simple terms, think of them as your defense attorney. They are on your side and need to knwo all the information to advise you and help you. I fell that if you hold something back, your are actually hurting yourself. Your real estate agent is your advocate.
profile img
Semi-Pro
44 Answers
Gloria Mitchell

Wilkinson Triad Realty

(52)

In general, you should not tell your realtor any personal or confidential information, such as your financial situation, plans for the future, or any information that could be used against you. Additionally, you should not disclose any information that could affect the sale of your property, such as any negative aspects of the property, any problems that may not have been disclosed, or changes to the property’s condition.
profile img
Rising Star
14 Answers
Devin Kroner

EXP, Northern Kentucky

(23)

🤝 First, Know This:
Your Realtor is on your team. Anything you share with them in the course of your listing is confidential—legally and ethically. So while there are some things you can keep private, you usually don’t have to.

That said, there are a few categories where oversharing might cause complications, not help the process.

🛑 Things You Might Not Want to Tell Your Realtor (at least not right away):
1. "I’m Desperate to Sell No Matter What"
Even though your agent is working for you, if that kind of statement somehow gets relayed (directly or indirectly) to buyers or buyer’s agents, it could weaken your negotiation position. It's better to say:

“I’d like to sell quickly if possible—what can we do to make the timeline work in our favor?”

2. Too Much About Personal Drama
Family disagreements, relationship stress, or neighbor feuds don’t typically need to be disclosed unless they directly affect the property’s sale or condition. Focus on what impacts the house, not the household.

3. Legal Trouble or Pending Lawsuits (Unless Property-Related)
If it’s unrelated to the property, your agent usually doesn’t need to know. But if it does affect your ability to sell (liens, divorce, probate, etc.), then it’s best to be upfront so they can help you navigate it properly and protect your interests.

💰 What About Financial Info?
You don’t have to reveal your personal net worth or exact debt situation unless it affects your ability to sell, price the home, or cover costs like repairs, closing fees, or relocation.

If you're tight on funds for repairs or prep, telling your agent can actually help—many experienced agents (myself included) have creative solutions, like:

Staging consultations

Vendor partnerships with delayed payment

As-is strategies

Seller credits or pricing adjustments

🗣 How to Set Boundaries (Gracefully):
If something feels too personal or you’re not sure if it’s relevant, just say:

“I have a few personal circumstances I’m working through, but let’s focus on what directly impacts the sale. If anything comes up that affects the process, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

That keeps things respectful, professional, and focused—without awkwardness.

✅ Final Word:
A great Realtor won’t dig for gossip or make you feel pressured to share more than you're comfortable with. The goal is to build trust, create a strategy, and work toward your goals—without judgment and with full confidentiality.

And hey, if you're ever unsure whether to share something—just ask them. No offense taken, and no hard feelings from us when we know someone is being genuine.

profile img
Semi-Pro
47 Answers
Glenda X Bozett

Michael Alexander Properties

(4)

Disclose to your realtor the truth, you are under " Seller Disclosure "
profile img
Rising Star
13 Answers
Jim Rossi

RE/MAX 2000

(4)

Business is business and as much as it is in both parties interest to have a cordial, friendly working relationship. Your personal life is your personal life, share whatever you feel comfortable sharing that is relevant to selling the property but be factual with anything about the property. If the experience goes well and you become long life friends, great! If you think you need to share for example, I need to get this hose sold to avoid a circumstance and that is important to you, then share it.
profile img
Novice
1 Answer
Marty Wheatley

Century 21 Mike Bowman Inc

(7)

Well we get that question a lot. The best answer is to disclose to your realtor the Truth, that is why a "Seller Disclosure" questioner is given to you. Walk-through with your agent is important so you can catch things in advance.

Related Questions