Utah Home Buying
5 Things to Know Before Touring a Home in Utah
Touring homes is one of the most important parts of the buying process, but today’s smart-home technology adds another consideration.
Cameras, smart doorbells, microphones, and other connected devices may be active during a showing. Knowing how to handle those situations can help you protect your privacy and your negotiating position.
Quick Answer
When touring a home in Utah, it is smart to assume cameras or other connected devices may be active. Focus on evaluating the property while you are inside, and save conversations about your budget, negotiating strategy, and how strongly you feel about the home until after you leave.
Things 1 and 2
01
Assume Recording Devices Could Be Present
According to the LendingTree survey reported by KSL, 56% of recent sellers said they had recording devices turned on during their listing.
Smart doorbells, security cameras, smart speakers, baby monitors, and other connected devices have become increasingly common inside and around homes.
That does not mean you need to feel uncomfortable during a showing. It means you should be intentional about what you discuss while you are on the property.
02
Save Your Negotiating Strategy for Later
There is a difference between evaluating the home and revealing information that could matter during negotiations.
While you are inside the property, avoid openly discussing:
Your maximum budget
The amount you plan to offer
How urgently you need to move
How much you love the property
Things 3 and 4
03
Your Comments About the Home Could Matter
You do not have to love every paint color, renovation choice, or design feature. But making harsh comments about a seller or the property while you are inside can create unnecessary complications.
KSL reported an example in which prospective buyers criticized a seller’s home and discussed how low they intended to offer while a smart device was active.
According to the real estate agent involved, the seller heard the conversation and later rejected the buyers’ offer.
04
Surveillance Concerns Can Change a Buyer’s Decision
Recording devices do more than make buyers cautious about what they say. They can also influence whether a buyer feels comfortable continuing with the showing or pursuing the property.
More Than 1 in 3
buyers surveyed said concerns about cameras or other recording devices had led them to leave a showing or open house, or to skip submitting an offer.
Comfort Can Affect Momentum
If recording devices make the showing feel intrusive, step outside and discuss whether the property still deserves further consideration. Keep the decision focused on the home, your goals, and the information you need.
Thing 5
05
Disclosure and Communication Matter
Recording and disclosure requirements can vary by state and local law, particularly when audio recording is involved.
The National Association of REALTORS® recommends a straightforward approach. Buyers should be informed when smart devices are present and should be thoughtful about private conversations inside a property.
The Utah Association of Realtors also told KSL that a best practice for sellers is to notify buyers ahead of time when recording is taking place.
Clear Expectations Help Both Sides
Buyers can protect sensitive conversations, and sellers can reduce uncertainty by communicating clearly about active recording devices.
Final Takeaway
Keep the Home Tour and the Negotiation Separate
You do not need to walk through every property assuming someone is actively listening to every word. A little awareness, however, can help you avoid revealing information that could matter later.
Focus on evaluating the property while you are inside. Once you have left, have the more detailed conversation about price, negotiating strategy, concerns, and whether the home is worth pursuing.
Evaluate inside. Strategize outside.
Buying a Home in Utah?
The Lance Group Real Estate can help you navigate the home search, property tours, negotiations, and the decisions that come with buying real estate in Utah.
Schedule a Consultation
Sources
National Association of REALTORS®
Smart Homes, Smarter Questions: What Agents Need to Know About Privacy and Data.
View NAR Source
