Top Reasons to Not Put Up Security Cameras for House Showings

Dear readers, this is a more serious topic. Today we will cover home privacy and how it could impact buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. The use of security cameras during house showings has become increasingly controversial in recent years. And I must emphasize that it is frowned upon in the business by real estate agents and buyers alike.

While it may seem like a decent idea to monitor your property and gain insight into potential buyers’ reactions, leaving the security cameras on during the showings may do more harm to your listing than good.

I have come across certain situations where the sellers’ incognizance towards using security cameras ended up derailing the deal altogether. And you do not want to be in such a situation. And I am about to tell you why.

Invasion of Privacy

Nobody likes the invasion of their privacy at any point in time. The same goes for buyers when viewing a house. Prospective buyers expect privacy when viewing a home and it is the job of the seller to arrange that as best as they can. House showings are an opportunity for buyers to imagine their lives in that space and they should have the freedom to speak openly about their likes, dislikes, and potential plans. 

When security cameras are present, especially if the buyers are unaware of them, it can create a sense of discomfort and violate their expectation of privacy. Real estate agents, homebuying companies, sellers, and buyers must be conscious of how a house is being presented.

I was curious as to why certain stores have automated announcements like “you are being recorded”. Then I realized that in many jurisdictions, recording audio or video of individuals without their consent is illegal. Even if you are the owner of the property, filming people without their consent could land you in legal trouble. This could tarnish the reputation of the seller and complicate the transaction.

Buyers May Feel Watched

Have you ever had this feeling that someone is watching you? It is quite eerie, isn’t it? Now imagine you are viewing a house and you get that feeling. The viewing would immediately take a nose-dive. And that is quite disappointing if you like the house.

The feeling of being watched can put buyers on edge. Owing to this unsettling feeling, buyers may rush through the showing or avoid expressing their true feelings about the home. One of my friends went through this situation when she realized that the red light on the camera meant it was recording. She had been at the viewing with her realtor and had discussed several aspects of the house. This realization made her feel unwelcome and you can guess what happened with the viewing.

“I felt as if my right to privacy was violated and any negative opinion about the house could have been used against me. My realtor was uncomfortable as well and we decided to take our business elsewhere”. – Potential Buyer

In our experience at Brotherly Love Real Estate, an uneasy buyer is less likely to make an offer. Creating a relaxed environment is critical to a successful showing and you do not want anything to disrupt that atmosphere.

It Can Cause Mistrust

Trust is essential to any business. House buyers like us want to feel confident that they are getting into bed with honest sellers who are respectful of their needs. When buyers suspect or discover that they are being recorded, it can raise red flags about the seller.

A buyer who feels watched may begin to question other aspects of the property. Questions like “Are there any issues with the home”, “Could the seller be hiding something”, or “Why are they being weird with the cameras” are not uncommon in such a situation.

I would advise you not to sow seeds that you cannot reap. Doubts like these could derail a potential sale and cause unnecessary turbulence during negotiations.

Legal Ramifications

Recording people without their consent can have legal implications for you. Laws on surveillance vary by state, but most regions require consent from parties if audio is being recorded.

Even if you are only using video surveillance, disclosing the presence of cameras is almost always mandatory. In businesses, failing to do so may result in fines, lawsuits, or even both. In a real estate transaction, legal complications are the last thing the seller wants to deal with.

To avoid such a scenario during open houses, sellers should inform the real estate agents and potential buyers beforehand about any active cameras inside the house. This way they cannot be held liable and the buyer is free to decide how they want to attend the viewing.

Ethical Dilemma

The ethics surrounding using cameras during viewings is another issue. While sellers may argue that the cameras are for protecting their property, buyers may have a different opinion. There is a thin line between protecting belongings and violating the privacy of potential buyers.

Real estate agents, who act as the middle-parties during transactions often discourage the use of cameras because they want their clients to feel comfortable. Ethical concerns surrounding cameras could also harm the seller’s reputation as word can spread quickly in real estate markets.

Agents May Refuse To Show The Property

Many real estate agents have strict policies regarding privacy during showings. If agents are aware that cameras are active, they may refuse to show the property to protect their clients.

This could significantly reduce the pool of prospective buyers for sellers. Agents strive to foster a positive and stress-free environment for their clients. When cameras interfere with that goal, they may steer the clients toward other properties instead.

The Risk of Misrepresentation

Even if the seller’s intentions for using cameras on-site are innocent, the buyer may not see it from that perspective. Surveillance during a showing could be misrepresented as an attempt to manipulate buyers.

These negative perceptions could overshadow any positive thoughts the buyer might have had before. In a competitive city for real estate, sellers cannot afford to create unnecessary barriers. A home that feels untrustworthy will often be passed over.

What Are The Rules for Security Cameras?

In all that I have gathered so far on this topic, this is what seems logical and reasonable:

• You should not capture more than you need to.
• Install signage that indicates that security cameras are in use.
• Ensure the footage recorded is stored securely and is only accessible to those who need to access it.
• Avoid audio recording at all costs.

Can You Have Security Cameras In Your House While Selling It?

Yes, you can have cameras in your house when selling it. More and more people are now opting for security cameras to mitigate theft and squatters. However, being transparent about active cameras during showings is pertinent for potential buyers.

Don’t install security cameras at house showings

While it is understandable that sellers want to protect their property from unforeseen damage during viewings, security cameras are rarely the solution. The risks outweigh the benefits.

By trusting your real estate agent and respecting the buyers’ privacy, sellers could foster an environment that increases the chances of a successful sale. You might want to let the home advocate for itself.