Buyers Smile You Are On Camera

Buyers Smile You Are On Camera

Home buyers smile you are on camera – or you could be. Some sellers across the country have revealed they used their security video camera systems to record home buyers showings while their home was on the market. Some interpret the law to permit video recordings as long as the third party should not normally expect privacy (as in a bathroom). Whether or not voice recordings are legal is totally different story. It varies by state and the court may not have settled the law regarding recordings in a personal home – ask your attorney.
Meanwhile – we are advising all our buyer clients to keep their comments very generic while touring a home. Don’t give away financing information and other valuable negotiating strategies to home sellers who may be listening in through their security systems or even through a $20 device from best buy.

And you thought only the Russians were using spy equipment, now we find out the Johnsons are using it to help sell their home. Seriously, do you find it creepy that a home seller might be listening in while you walk through and make comments about their paint selections and shoddy renovation.

Takeaway – always assume the seller is listening in as you walk through a home. Hold that big idea until you step outside the front door. Then tell your spouse you love it and just can’t live without it.