Video Recording Buyers When Showing Houses Part 1

This is a change we have to think about. It is better to always think we may be videoed or recorded.

In Washington State, it is a two party consent. You have to let the other party know. Does everyone comply? Doubt it - therefore expect that you might be under surveillance. 

Hi Hannah! Thanks for an enlightening topic.  I remind my buyers that there may be cameras and not to discuss price inside the home but even more so, I never thought about bathrooms or straightening clothes.etc. 

Good blog post. Thanks for the reminders!

Good morning Hannah Williams,

Know your own states policy is imperative as a Realtor® in today's world. I always assume there are cameras everywhere, except in areas where one has a reasonable expectation of complete privacy.

This is a great topic Hannah Williams .  I need to check into what our state laws are.  Several years ago our Broker told us to watch what we say when viewing a house because someone could be listening, sure enough a complaint was filed on an agent for something they said.  I usually tell buyers not to discuss anything inside the house, or even outside because the cameras are there as well.

Hannah Williams You say in one of your comments that you believe that video and audio recording of prospective buyers and their agents viewing a home is an "invasion of privacy."

Let's put things in perspective before we come to support your opinion.

First - The buyers and agents are touring someone else's home, which is supposed to be the safest, most secure place for they and their family.

In a world where children are raped and snatched from their own bedrooms and home invasions are more and more common, it seems to me to be perfectly reasonable for homeowners to want to take the precaution of having video and audio surveillance in their home.

After all, buyers and agents are all strangers to the homeowner; their motives may not be apparent, as can be attested to by the growing number of murdered agents by those posing as buyers.

Professional real estate agents should always advise their buyers to assume they are under video and audio surveillance.

As for invasion of privacy, I'm sure most homeowners feel it's their privacy being invaded by strangers in their home.

Very good post, and very pertinent with all the tech available today! In North Carolina video is allowed, but audio is not! Video is not allowed in bathrooms. That said,I always tell my clients to assume they are being recorded and to be very careful with their comments!

It's an interesting question Hannah. I am now assuming that all properties have some type of surveillance or security system, even if you can't see it. I advise all my clients as such - then they can make their own decisions. The more expensive the property is, the more likely we are been watched and recorded.

As far as legislating this - Listings are on private property. Buyers and agents are guests. Do you really want our gvt to legislate this?

I'm just thinking out loud Hannah Williams . It's something we have to deal with nowadays.... I just assume that owners can do what they want in their private properties, listed or not.

In NH you can record video but can not record voice unless it is posted. 

Hi Hannah Williams. This is such a 'grey area' that there is no simple answer. I advise all clients that it is possible and comments should be held until were away from a property. Most are surprised, but seem to 'get it'.

Thanks for sharing.
Bruce

Good Morning Hannah Williams 

I have no issue with homeowners using video surveillance equipment for their property. But bathrooms are off limits. The real issue surrounds audio recording. In MA, to record audio all parties must consent to it. Thus it is illegal to record audio from surveillance equipment.

Good post.