08/18/26

These days, it feels like everything is recorded – and new data suggests that’s true even for the home showings or open houses you attend as a prospective buyer. As your trusted partner in the closing process, our teams want to make sure you’re prepared.

According to LendingTree, 56% of recent home sellers said recording devices were active during their most recent sale or listing. Whether you think that’s right or wrong, that’s the reality of today’s technology. Affordable items such as smart doorbells, indoor cameras and other connected devices are often already on hand, ready to be put to use.

Why this matters for buyers. Remember, a home tour is all about helping buyers imagine their life in the space. How will our table look in this dining room? Does the backyard work for the dog? Is the neighborhood the right fit? But when buyers think someone may be watching or listening, the experience can feel less natural.

The study found that concerns about being recorded changed buyer behavior. More than 1 in 5 recent buyers avoided discussing their budget or offer strategy, hid their excitement about a home or avoided mentioning what they disliked. Some even left a showing or decided not to make an offer.

That is an important reminder for anyone on the house hunt: Save the strategy talk for later. It is still OK to ask practical questions about the roof, utilities, repairs or layout while you are in the home. However, conversations about your budget, deadline, excitement level and offer plans are best saved for the car ride home or a private discussion with your REALTOR®.

Why this matters for sellers. Security is a valid concern that justifies some monitoring. Many homeowners use cameras to watch vacant properties, protect valuables or confirm who enters the home every day. However, keeping the cameras on during a showing can create trust issues, especially if buyers feel their private conversations are being captured.

Transparency always wins. If cameras are present for security purposes, clear communication may help buyers feel more comfortable and keep the showing focused on the property itself. Plus, recording rules vary by state, so sellers must talk to their agent about what their legal obligations are in this area.

How our fellow professionals can help.

Our agent friends should set expectations on both sides. We know agents are skilled at these conversations, but here’s some specific advice. Buyer’s agents should remind clients to assume they may be on camera and to keep negotiating details private. As we said, on the seller’s side, a REALTOR® should help clients decide whether devices should remain active, what should be disclosed and how surveillance could impact buyer interest.

The bottom line is that communication always matters. Buyers, sellers, lenders, agents and title and escrow professionals all work best when everyone understands the process and knows what to expect. That’s a general statement, but it applies just as directly to addressing emerging and evolving topics like this one. After all, smart-home technology is here to stay; it’s up to us to use it efficiently and ethically – both in the real estate world and in our personal lives. Whether you are preparing to buy, sell or close on your next property, our team – and our tech tools – are here to make the process simple. Reach out to your local branch and trust that we’ll provide helpful guidance and a smooth closing experience from start to finish.