In today’s real estate market, cutting-edge technology has become standard practice. Virtual tours? Check. Digital contracts? Check. Ring Doorbells and home security cameras? Double-check. While these gadgets have revolutionized home safety, they’re also keeping potential buyers and real estate brokers on their toes.If you’ve ever wondered about the dos, don’ts, and downright shocking stories when it comes to home security cameras in real estate transactions, grab your coffee and read on. 

The Modern Reality of Home Security Cameras in Real Estate

In decades past, sellers had to trust that strangers were treating their homes and belongings with respect during open houses and visits. Today, technology has changed the game. With Ring doorbells and other home surveillance systems, homeowners can observe potential buyers and their brokers touring their property remotely, and sometimes, they watch a little too closely.These cameras offer more than just peace of mind, they provide accountability in every corner of the house. However, not everyone in the real estate world is thrilled about being monitored like a kid caught stealing cookies.

Dos and Don’ts for Brokers and Buyers

The Dos

Assume You're Being Watched.
As they say, "Smile, you're on camera!" Make it a habit to always act professionally and respectfully during a showing, whether you think there’s surveillance or not.

Keep Comments Neutral.
Even if you're tempted to whisper sweet nothings about how awful that wallpaper looks, stop yourself. Camera footage has been known to circulate to friends, neighbours, or even social media.

Disclose Security Devices (if you’re the seller).
Honesty is the best policy. Let buyers and brokers know upfront about any active home security systems. Transparency builds trust in the transaction.

The Don’ts

Don't Make Yourself at Home.
This one should really go without saying, but alas, people still find themselves in hot water. Don’t sit down and put your feet up on the coffee table. Don’t let your kids start playing with toys, or the grand piano. Don’t lie down on the beds. Treat any home you’re visiting exactly like you would a museum exhibit.

Don’t Spilt Up.
When visiting a home with a family or group, especially with young kids, proper etiquette is to tour the property together. It’s not an open invitation for everyone to split up and explore like it’s a department store. 

Avoid Snooping.
Looking inside bedroom closets for storage space is fine, and so is opening kitchen cabinets or pantries, but inspecting someone's prescription bottles or rifling through personal drawers is a big no-no.

Avoiding Issues with Home Security When Visiting a Home

Visiting homes as a prospective buyer comes with certain unspoken rules. Just remember, you’re stepping into someone else’s personal space, and it’s important to stay on the seller’s good side, and off their Ring doorbell highlight reel!

The Milk Drinking Incident: A Case Study That Blew the Lid Off Common Decency

Who needs Netflix drama when real estate deals serve up plenty of their own? Enter the infamous case of the “Milk Drinking Incident.”

Picture this: A homeowner lists their property for sale and sets up their security cameras to record during showings. Why? To monitor buyer reactions and safeguard valuables. What they didn’t expect was to find a real estate broker, while waiting for his buyers to arrive, casually opening their fridge, pulling out a container of milk, and drinking directly from the carton and placing it back in the fridge. 

The homeowner, understandably livid, filed a lawsuit citing trespass, breach of trust, and emotional distress. The broker agreed to pay over $20,000 in disciplinary penalties.

This case not only served as a cautionary tale for real estate brokers but also set a legal precedent reminding brokers and anyone walking into a seller's home, that surveillance cameras are watching, and homeowners aren’t afraid to lawyer up. The moral of the story? BYO beverages!

Ring Doorbells and home security cameras have brought undeniable convenience and peace of mind to the home-selling process. For real estate professionals, these tools can either be your ally or your worst enemy. By maintaining professionalism, being transparent, and staying mindful of your buyer’s behavior, you’ll avoid any cringe-worthy incidents of your own. And whether you're a broker or a buyer, remember the golden rule: Treat each home like it’s truly someone else’s. 

At TEAM BROADY, we are always on the lookout for our clients, even when it involves them being on camera. Please contact us for your next real estate transaction. We can be reached at 514-613-2988 or by email at info@teambroady.ca