You're Being Watched!

Not just you—anyone shopping for homes and cottages right now.

There’s a very good chance that everything you say and do is being analyzed by the homeowners. To be blunt, sellers are spying on you, and it’s costing you big time.

Here's what we mean:

The Story: Our Experience

A few weeks ago, we were out with a wonderful couple who were looking to move into a brand-new community with their family.

We had toured several homes and were at the last house of the day. On paper, it was perfect. It had everything: a pool, a garage, a finished basement, and plenty of room for the family. But in reality, the layout just didn't work for them.

We quickly realized it wasn’t a good fit and decided to move on after about only 10 minutes. As we were driving away, we received a text from the listing agent asking why we had cut our showing so short. How did she know? It took us a few inutes to realize it ourseves...

The homeowners were tracking us through a RING doorbell camera. They knew exactly when we arrived, when we left, and if the camera had audio, they even knew WHY we left early.

The Impact of Surveillance

This experience was eye-opening.

We live in a rural community where many residents have seasonal homes and often install security cameras to monitor their properties when they’re not around. It’s legal and quite common. In fact, many listings now even include a note in the MLS stating there are cameras on site.

Just last weekend, we saw a sign in a window that said, "Smile, you’re on camera." This made us realize that it’s essential to always assume you’re being watched.

A good point of reference is to think of it as the seller sitting at the kitchen table, listening to everything you say as you tour their house.

Protecting Your Leverage

As a potential buyer, there are certain things you should avoid saying in front of these cameras:

• "This is under my budget. I love it!"
• "I need to have this house. Make it happen!"
• "I've been searching for years, and this is the only home that works for me."
• Basically, anyting that hints at your motivation, budget, or timeline is off-limits inside the home.

Imagine if a seller hears you say these things. They would feel confident holding firm on the price, knowing you’re desperate. Buyers lose leverage by expressing their excitement or making revealing comments about their budget or motivations.

What to Do Instead

Given that cameras are likely here to stay, here’s what we suggest to our buyers:

• Stay Neutral: Before entering a home, we advise our clients to stay as neutral as possible. Think of it as if the seller is right there with you.
• Stick to Material Facts: Comment on tangible aspects of the home like, "I like this open concept kitchen," or "The workout room is nice." Avoid discussing your emotional connection to the home or your budget.
• Discuss in Private: Save detailed discussions for outside the home. Walk to the end of the driveway or have a conversation in the car after leaving the property. This way, you can candidly talk about your likes, dislikes, and overall impressions without being overheard.

Final Thoughts

Technology is changing the real estate business, and it’s crucial to be aware of these changes to protect your interests. Be mindful of what you say during home tours to maintain your leverage.

Remember, loose lips sink ships. Stay cautious and protect your leverage while buying a house in Ontario.

Watch Our Video

We go deeper into detail in our full-length video. Watch it here: