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:
- Do not discuss price! You don’t want to say the price is too high or too low as both could hurt you in negotiations.
- Don’t talk about how great the home is!
- Don’t talk about how bad the home is either. If the sellers are listening, we don’t want to offend them.
- Leave the home in the same condition it was in when you entered.
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!
