Smile! You're on Camera

From the moment you arrive at a showing, consider yourself on set.

A new increase of home sellers are recording buyers during property tours thanks to the recent advancements of technology. Smart doorbells can pick up crystal clear audio from 50 feet, even when not actively engaged.

Sellers can keep tabs on tours with smart doorbells, interior and exterior cameras, and home hubs such as Alexa or Nest. Even smart appliances can stream live audio or log clips.

Although the one-party consent rule make audio recordings illegal in Canada, many homeowners do not see the harm in reviewing actions and behaviours of home buyers in their home. If you are concerned about having strangers in your home, we make it a common practice to be on site for each tour, as many clients prefer not to use a lockbox. This added service that we offer is also helpful if you have pets, we can ensure they are safe before allowing people into your home.

Why are Sellers using Surveillance?

According to a recent Newsweek article, 61% or sellers cite security concerns as their primary reason for recording, 19% said they want feedback on the property, and 18% said they wanted an advantage in negotiations.

Quiet on the Set

If you are seriously interested in a home, we ask our clients to stay neutral and diplomatic during the showing. It would be best practice to keep notes in your phone and text us to take the images you are interested in on the property. Savvy buyers let us negotiate on their behalf, and staying polite and reticent during the showing gives us real leverage when speaking to the listing agent.

Save your real reactions and excitement when you are safely out of earshot. When the listing agent calls us to ask what our clients thought of the home, nothing has been given away. It is not about being dishonest or evasive, it is just good business to be able to negotiate from a position of strength.