Nanny-cams in homes may allow sellers to spy on prospective buyers as they tour the home.

Nanny-cams, or web cams, have been in the spotlight recently as home buyers are discovering that they’re on Candid Camera as they tour homes for sale.

While sellers will argue that the nanny-cams may help to prevent theft, buyers are concerned that being filmed without their knowledge could potentially reduce their negotiating power. It’s certainly not illegal for sellers to set up nanny-cams to spy on potential buyers, but many people feel that it is a bit "creepy" to be videotaped without their knowledge.

What’s a buyer to do? First of all, assume that there’s a nanny-cam in every house, and keep your conversations inside the house to a minimum. Step outside to discuss what you like and dislike about the home, as well as talking with your Realtor about pricing and other issues.

Take a note pad with you and jot down issues that you’d like to discuss with your Realtor regarding the home so you don’t forget anything. These notes will also be a helpful reminder of each home that you’ve visited, since often times the details get jumbled after you’ve seen a lot of homes.

Make sure that whatever is said inside the home are conversations that you wouldn’t mind the seller hearing. Questions like "How big is this room?" and "Would our couch fit in here?" are valid questions that you can feel free to ask when you’re inside the home. Questions like "What do you think this home is worth?" and comments like "That’s ugly wallpaper!" aren’t conversations that you’d want the seller to hear. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with a home’s decor, the home is the seller’s castle and any negative comments could be considered to be insults.

Also, remember that you’re in the seller’s home as a prospective buyer of the home, not to evaluate their personal belongings or lifestyle. I’ve seen buyers who want to explore the contents of pantries, evaluate the seller’s reading library and get overly involved in the seller’s collection of family portraits. These activities are not ok under any circumstances, and they’re even worse when you’re being videotaped.

Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!

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