This really only applies if they cold-called you, doesn't it? If you applied, then you started the game and chose to play white. To follow your other analogy,

This really only applies if they cold-called you, doesn't it? If you applied, then you started the game and chose to play white. To follow your other analogy, if you walk into an open house, a realtor is totally within his or her rights to ask you about your budget.