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Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

It is a good idea to disclose.

Apr 13, 2018 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

I would. Why not?

Mar 23, 2018 11:33 AM
Rainmaker
659,119
Pat & Wayne Harriman
Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499 - Wallingford, CT
Broker/Owners, Wallingford CT Real Estate

Here's an interesting article from Realtor.org with a chart showing whether or not your state need one party or all party consent to being recorded:

Does Your State Allow Clients to be Recorded?

In Connecticut, all parties must consent to being recorded.

Mar 31, 2015 03:52 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Yes, I think it would need to be disclosed.  Now to red the article...

Mar 30, 2015 01:26 PM
Rainmaker
323,664
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

Hello Pat & Wayne.  I primarily work with home buyers, and would hope a listing agent would be as concerned for alerting me about the potential to compromise my clients' privacy as they would be to make certain that I didn't let Fifi get out of the house.

Personally, I do advise my client's to not discuss anything confidential inside any property we enter.  We will talk out in the yard or in the car afterward.  If they have a question while viewing, I will write it down and suggest discussing it later.

As for touching or handling personal items in someone's home, I cover that in advance.  The old "Break it--you buy it" rule, and being aware that we do not want to upset a potential seller with who we may be in negotiations.  The Golden Rule always applies.

IF I were the listing agent, I would (1) caution sellers about audio recording, and (2) explain that with their consent, I prefer to advise the showing agent of the potential for security monitoring being on.  As for catching thieves, it is much better to deter theft than to hope you can recover stolen items. Further, I would caution sellers of potential for theft being greater when valuables are not put away and secured.  Safety Deposit boxes make a lot of sense when you have strangers roaming through your home.

Mar 30, 2015 09:15 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would think that I should disclose this if I knew they were doing it.  (Except for maybe a couple of agents that I really don't care for!)

Mar 30, 2015 07:56 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,871
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Assume that there are concealed cameras in every home toured, whether buyers are with you or not.

 

Mar 30, 2015 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Home buyers and their agent should assume the presence of video cameras in any homes they visit. Audio recording can easily violate many state laws. 

The need for disclosure would depend upon the state law.

Mar 30, 2015 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

First of all I would be checking for the lawfulness of this.  I know for my buyers, if I thinkthat is happening, I will tell them so.

Mar 30, 2015 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good question. Sellers should monitor activity but I hope they have audio turned off. We discuss pricing and strategy at the house sometimes.

Mar 30, 2015 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Pat & Wayne,

Yes, I would disclose.  

Mar 30, 2015 05:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

In NY it would be mandatory to inform everyone one involved that they are being filmed.

Mar 30, 2015 05:09 AM
Ambassador
5,829,543
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

I'm not an agent but have viewed a home where there was a home monitoring system.  Of course, we were on our best behavior.  These days, you have to assume that someone is watching you. 

Mar 30, 2015 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
873,519
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

I am so far behind the times that never even entered my thought process.  I can imagine the Nightline guy walking up as you are walking out and asking why you the agent told the buyer to forget about this house...or whatever!!

I would want to know as the showing agent. Perhaps there are laws on the books in some locations and I would not think it would be illegal to eavesdrop if you did not compromise the buyers bargaining position.

Mar 30, 2015 04:55 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I would mention is only to let them know comments made might be heard by the sellers.

Mar 30, 2015 04:47 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Agents should always assume they are being filmed and recorded in someone elses property. i wouldn't warn anyone. If they were planning on  stealing something, I want them to be caught. Each person should know disclosure laws in their state.

Mar 30, 2015 04:11 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I'd let it go.... agents need to be professional when showing a home and there's no reason to forewarn....

Mar 30, 2015 03:59 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I would point out the security features including remote monitoring FIRST.

Let the buyer beware.

Mar 30, 2015 03:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Since 99% of the homes we list and tour have sophisticated security it's a given that someone somewhere is probably watching your every move. I might mention it to associates who are not regularly familiar with that particular market. 

Mar 30, 2015 02:56 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

Verrrrry interesting question. I think I would warn the agents. They, at the very least, may want to restrict all their comments (and those of the buyer) while in the home.

Mar 30, 2015 02:34 AM