Should A Listing Broker Tell a Selling Broker How Much A Seller Paid?

I have never had that come up. I suspect that I would recommend that they look it up themselves if they want to know but given the fact that it is a matter of public record I can't say that I would call it unethical.

There's not really any expectation of confidentiality there.

If it is public knowledge, why not disclose it.  It is not unethical at all.  You are just helping cut some corners and as far as I am concerned the faster the information can be passed along, the potential of going to closing is much faster.

If it is public record (like it is in Connecticut), any buyer or their agent is more than welcome to look it up.  I don't think, however, that I should be the one telling them when it is my listing.  "Oh, yes, they paid $30,000 for this house in 1962.  Is THAT going to influence your offer?"  : )

It is public information, so I do not see a problem with disclosure if asked.

In my role as buyer's agent, I not only discover what the seller paid, but also usually am able to know what they owe.  While market value is market value - in negotiations often what a seller will agree to is dictated by their circumstances.

Once it becomes public record, I don't see any problem with you disclosing the information. If it makes you uncomfortable, decline.

Miriam, as the buyer's agent I would most likely already know what the seller paid before I showed the house.  As a seller's agent I would advise the buyer's agent that this information can be found in public records.  Aside from that, what someone paid back when and what they are asking today are two different things, there should be some justifiable reasons why the current price is what it is.  

Miriam, I can't understand why a buyers agent would ask, anyway- if it's public record, what sense does it make to rely on verbal when in writing is right there for their buyer? I think that inappropriate would be the description for that request, and I'd be reluctant to disclose anything pertaining to my sellers situation, as well.

I can tell you're not selling in Michigan. :) If a house is asking $80K the seller probably paid $180K- or more.

Technically I don't see a problem disclosing but I do feel the way Laurie does. In that the buyer's agent should look that info up since it is public information and they should be able to find it. With refis and all sorts of secondary mortgages I would not want to disclose my seller's situation at all.