You are Being Watched! Is it ok for Sellers to Have Cameras on During Showings?

With the low cost of security cameras and video doorbells, you have to assume the sellers are watching and listening to you as your tour their home. Is it legal for sellers to record you as you tour a home?

Buying a Home / Chris


You are Being Watched! Is it ok for Sellers to Have Cameras on During Showings?

You’re being watched. At least that is what you should assume when you go to see properties these days. With the low cost of high-quality security cameras, it isn’t uncommon for sellers to record potential buyers as they tour the home. Plus, when you walk in or out of the home you will likely pass a Ring doorbell that is recording both video and audio! It’s all perfectly legal (it’s their home after all!).

I give my buyers a quick talk about how they shouldn’t say anything they don’t want the sellers to hear when we’re seeing their home. However, I still have buyers that have said things like, “This home is perfect” as they walk past the doorbell on their way out. That comment could cost a buyer thousands of dollars when it’s time to negotiate an offer.

When you’re looking for a new home and doing your tours, here are some general guidelines to follow:

That’s it, friends! We’ve reached a point where so many sellers are going to have recording devices in their home and it will only become more common. Be careful out there!