Amazing! Privacy is Gone! That was my take on this story in Realty Biz News, “A survey of home sellers by Lending Tree suggests that 30% of all home sellers secretly spied on homebuyers in their homes during a showing!!” That’s one out of three for sale by owner houses.
The use of technology has become so cheap and easy to use that a seller can easily tap into a homebuyer’s conversations as they tour your house. In addition, the home’s hidden security cameras can record your every movement and hang on every word. In many ways, technology has changed how we buy and sell homes.
In today’s wired world, you should assume that you, as homebuyers, are monitored during home showings.
Laws vary from state to state. But in general, it is ok to record or use an electronic video device to watch or record people without audio. The use of audio is where it gets sticky. It is generally illegal to use an electronic device to eavesdrop on a conversation or record a conversation without at least one party’s consent. But just because you are not supposed to doesn’t mean they aren’t
Remember that first paragraph: “A survey of home sellers by Lending Tree suggests that 30% of all home sellers secretly spied on homebuyers.”
There are several reasons why a seller wants to monitor you in their home:
According to INMAN, “Many homebuyers are already on alert for cameras when they’re touring a home, and a large share aren’t thrilled about the idea of being recorded.”
According to the survey, 44 percent of buyers said they wouldn’t go through with purchasing their dream home if they learned the seller had surveilled them in secret. In addition, more than half of buyers described the practice as unfair.
Sellers spying on buyers during showings and open houses are just going to become more and more commonplace.
Just assume during every showing, you are being spied on and act accordingly.
As investors, we are in business to make a modest profit on any deal. However, we can help homeowners out of just about any situation, no matter what! There are no fees, upfront costs, commissions, or anything else. Instead, we offer the simple truth about your home and how we can help you sell it fast.
Give us a ring. We would love to help you understand the process and to answer all of your questions. You can reach us at 402 999.0577.