After making an appointment to show a property yesterday, the listing agent phoned me to let me know that security cameras were in use inside the home and would be taping our every move. I let the buyers know prior to the showing and I have to admit that it was an interesting experience knowing that we were on camera. As we moved from room to room we felt reticent to make any remarks, positive or negative, and it was a very uncomfortable feeling. Buyers like to be expansive in their conversations and opinions when looking at a home. They like to imagine themselves in it if they like it - talking about where they would put furniture, how they would change things, discussing the current owner's taste, and yes, sometimes even being a bit disparaging when they feel it warranted. We were in and out in a very short period of time and once the door closed behind us we waited until we were in the car to discuss the home. The focus was more on the experience than the actual house and although it fit many of their needs, they just could not relax, converse and explore the way they usually do. It was a learning experience as to how people react to being filmed.
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Jan Green
Scottsdale, AZ
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Karen Rice Madison AL ...
Madison, AL
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Ron Tissier
Atlanta, GA
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Westport, CT
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Thomas J. Nelson, REAL...
La Jolla, CA
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St. George, UT
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Robert Caston
San Diego, CA
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Corona, CA
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Whitesboro, TX
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Long Beach, NY
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East Brunswick, NJ
Featured- Topic: Real Estate Best Practices
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Anonymous
In Illinois - video is allowed without notification but audio is not. With today's inexpensive technology - more people than not have visual of all that approach the front door. Our MLS posts awareness notices at the bottom of all of our listings and it is the buyer's agents responsibility to make buyer aware of possible devices. Our brokerage posts notices in our listings.
Rainer
521,200
521,200
WikiWiki Realty - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions
It is prudent and beneficial in many ways to employ audio and video surveillance to both the interior and exterior of any property.
Before previewing any property with either buyers or investors, I'll instruct my clients to not openly discuss any aspect, issues or concerns about the property until we are at the curbside. I also provide a check off worksheet and instruct them to take notes and also refrain from acting excited about the property.
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#27
1
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainer
82,480
82,480
The HomesFinder Realty Group - Beaufort, SC
Broker-in-Charge, The HomesFinder Realty Group
I was teaching a real estate pre-license class, and one of the student's phones went off alerting her that someone was at her door, and it offered a great opportunity to talk about this development as she watched who was there. As Amazon and other companies expand and encourage services like this, I always expecct that I am being watched from the time I get to the door.
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#29
1
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainer
21,784
21,784
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton, PA
All Things Real Estate
Great post on how technology is "watching our every move" and "what we (buyer/agent) say can and will be used against us"!
While cameras are in many public places, it does feel awkward when being filmed during a showing. It does inhibit the buyer/agent from expressing while at the location which can lead to reluctance on even touring those homes!
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#30
1
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainmaker
524,362
524,362
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL
Our multiple listing service has an automatic notice on all listings warning agents and buyersthe home could be under surveillance.
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#31
1
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainmaker
1,545,148
1,545,148
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By eXp Realty - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale
Marnie, I'd say 50% of the listings I show have a security camera recording. I've gotten used to it and don't find buyers mind too much either because a lot of them have cameras too. That said, some don't want to tour a home if they're being recorded and pass altogether. In today's' world I just always assume I'm being recorded.
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#32
1
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainer
402,923
402,923
Century 21 United Realty Inc. - Peterborough, ON
"Training and Accountability"
Just like having the home owners following you around the house. I know it's 2018 and we are smothered in technology, with that being said, turn off the camera and let the potential buyers tour the home in comfort.
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#33
1
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainmaker
1,722,778
1,722,778
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker, Blackstone Realty Group - brokered by eXp Realty - Kalispell, MT
The House Kat
At a showing a few days ago, my buyers noticed several cameras outside. I'm sorry, but I just cannot behave when I know we're being watched. I ran right over to the camera on the front of the house, looked right at it, planted a huge smile on my face and waved. Then went around to find the next one and did a little silly dance step and waved. Give 'em something to watch.
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#39
2
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Fred Griffin Tallahass...
Tallahassee, FL
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Lynn B. Friedman CRS ...
Atlanta, GA
Rainmaker
401,635
401,635
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA
From my experience I conclude that homes that have active surveillance during a showing will take longer to sell. Buyers need to have the freedom to discuss things as they see them. It is the same reason we ask sellers to vacate during a showing.
I think the video recording is even more intimidating to the buyer.
Anonymous
I had not given this much thought. I wonder now how many times I've been taped without knowing. Very intimidating in deed. Thank you for sharing. I'll just assume from now on and inform my buyers that we are being observed and to hold opinions and emotional expression until we are off the property.
Rainer
160,482
160,482
INET Realty Honolulu, HI - Honolulu, HI
Your agent under the sun
At least, they gave you advance notice... with the advances in technology nowadays, the recording devices can be very inconspicuous...
That gives us a good reminder to keep disparaging comments to a minimum while on a home showing.... You never know... Aloha!
Ambassador
1,003,808
1,003,808
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Buckhead - Midtown - Westside ... Love our City - Love our Clients! - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers
Marnie Matarese
Really unpleasant for everyone --- I agree with you ---
Buyers like to be expansive in their conversations and opinions when looking at a home. All the best - Lynn
PS I read what Kat Palmiotti #39 and Fred Griffin #12 said after I wrote my comment above. NOW --- I may just bring POST-IT notes in case we encounter cameras!!! Lynn
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#45
1
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Fred Griffin Tallahass...
Tallahassee, FL
Rainmaker
1,049,153
1,049,153
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
Thank you for writing this because that's exactly how I felt in a home with a camera. I felt this invaded my clients space and we were never at east.
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Rainmaker
422,693
422,693
Marnie Matarese
Showing you the best of Sarasota!