When homebuyers visit properties, they usually have a mental checklist of things to watch for -- testing the faucets, measuring the bedrooms or checking for drafts. But if you're shopping for a home in 2026, add one more step to the list: Be careful what you say and do, because home sellers and their real estate agents could be listening in.
That eavesdropping is technically legal, and enabled by today's indoor and outdoor security cameras, which homeowners can look through with live streaming and listen through with two-way audio. What they see and hear could impact your own decisions, including what happens to an offer you make. I spoke to realtors to learn more about this now-common trend.
Read more: 9 Must-Do Security Checks When You're Heading to a Vacation Rental
So this isn't just an urban myth?
Sellers watching homebuyers is really happening, and most of the realtors we talked to had already come up with ways to handle it.
"Nothing new," said Mary Gemba, managing broker at Deschutes Realty. "I've been forewarning my clients before they walk through the door."
Sharon Abrams, principal broker at John L. Scott Real Estate, messaged me with a similar strategy. "Our company has a seller's sign addendum stating that there are cameras, etc., in and on the property...it should be noted on the MLS (real estate listing) as well if it isn't."
As security cams get smaller, more affordable and easier to use via apps, it's become more common for homeowners to take a peek when buyers are scheduled to visit a home. Home cams come with live views so owners can see what's happening in real time from anywhere, and most have live audio so they can listen in on conversations between you and the real estate agent too. That's very tempting for nervous home sellers.
Shelf cameras give a quiet look at a room and allow users to listen in, too.
Why would someone trying to sell a home do this?
Owners take a look at home tours like this for several reasons. First, they may just want to keep an eye on strangers in their homes and how they behave. Second, they're looking at how good of a job their realtor is doing. That can also include sore points or comparisons that realtors may not have wanted to make in front of the owner. Some sellers have caught realtors blocking their security cameras too, possibly to increase the privacy of a visit.
Third -- and a key point -- sellers are watching for any comments that indicate a specific buyer is just mildly interested in their home or completely smitten, which can give them a lot of leverage when it comes to making counteroffers or additions to the sale agreement. Along with this, they may want to listen to buyer's agents spill the beans on how much they suggest a buyer offer or what they think about a current offer, something that has indeed happened before.
Is it legal for sellers to spy on home buyers like this?
Mostly. Legally, homeowners can place cameras on their property, including hidden cameras that potential home buyers may not notice. They can't view people in places with an expectation of privacy, like a bathroom in their home, but most open rooms are fair game. That includes both live viewing and taking video recordings. Some owners may just let their security cams pick up motion and store video recordings for them to take a look at later.
Audio is a bit trickier. Owners can listen through live audio whenever they want, but they can't usually record any audio unless they get specific permission from the people touring the home.
With sellers listening in, you should be careful what you say when inside their home, especially about your offer plans.
Do laws about this kind of surveillance vary by state?
Not much. Audio recording laws vary depending on whether states require every party or just one party to consent to the recording, but if an owner is listening in on a conversation instead of participating, they can't give or receive consent. Otherwise, owners are free to listen to audio or watch video from their own cams.
State real estate laws also have their say. For example, suppose owners spy on a home inspection and hear the inspector complain about a problem they didn't know about. In that case, the owner may be obligated to disclose that issue to any future buyers, even if the inspector didn't ultimately include it in their report. Cam users also aren't allowed to use two-way audio to interfere with the inspection in any way, which can be challenging for some sellers.
How can I detect an owner spying through a cam when I'm touring a home?
If you spot a security camera or video doorbell, you can watch for indicator lights to turn on, which is a sign the camera has detected a person and has started recording. If indicator lights stay on constantly, then someone is probably watching and listening through the camera.
Homebuyers have other things on their mind, and staring down security cams can be an unneeded distraction. We suggest simply pretending that you are touring the property along with the owner as well as your agent. If you want a private conversation about offers or other details with your agent, do it by your vehicles well away from the house to keep the conversation private.
Reolink's 4K cam; ready for 24/7 recording if necessary.
Can I complain to the real estate agent if I notice a security camera?
You can, but there's not much your agent can do. You could mention it makes you uncomfortable and your agent could pass that info along to the seller's agent. If a seller knows their cameras are making potential buyers unhappy, they may be inclined to take them down.
Are security camera companies OK with this?
Absolutely. As long as the cameras are used legally, security companies are happy that people have another reason to use them.
Will owners take the security cameras with them?
Usually, especially if it's a lone camera that's easy to take down. Some owners may leave built-in security systems and wired cameras as a way to attract buyers, but always make sure these devices are completely wiped with full resets before you start using them.
If I'm a home seller, should I use a security camera like this?
You can, but if potential buyers notice it may make them uncomfortable. A LendingTree survey showed that 4 in 10 surveyed would back out of a sale if they discovered that the seller had been secretly recording them. It's probably best to be upfront if you're listening in.
Now you're set up and ready for any surprises when you're visiting properties with your realtor. For more information, take a look at our guide on when it's legal to record video in your house, the worst spots to place a security camera and how Airbnb hosts may be using spy cameras.