Expert: Dick Dennis - 7/21/2008

Question
Recently a friend and I wanted to tour some model homes while visiting the Poulsbo, WA area in preparation for moving later in the year.

Upon entry we were told that we had to fill out a long form with our personal information to tour. When asked, the salesman said that their builder "required the information for liability purposes." He did not mention any law.

Are we legally required in the state of Washington (or any state for that matter) to give out our personal information to tour a model home? Do we have any recourse or are we simply out of luck? Can they check our ID or can we make up the information?

Answer
I'm not aware of any such law in ANY state, Stephanie. They obviously want that information so they can mail you solicitations. However, homebuilders and any homeowner who is selling their home is usually hounded by flakes, people who have no intention of buying and just want to look around to compare with what they have and to help sell their own house. In otherwords, just to be a pest.

To appease them, just give them your name and phone number and let them see your drivers license to make sure you are who you say you are. That agent who gave that reason was lying to you. She or he was looking for a list of potential buyers to whom they may call or write.

Tell the agent, "Look Mr. Agent, I realize you are trying to sell a house, and I am trying to buy one, but I am not going to give you any information except my name and phone number and you can verify that I am who I say I am by looking at my picture on my drivers license. If you are not okay with that, I wish you luck. I will remember your name as an agent with whom I will not be doing business in the future." And then walk out.