![56% of Sellers Record Showings—19% of Buyers Walk Away [New LendingTree Study]](https://realtytimes.com/images/Gemini_Generated_Image_1y9pot1y9pot1y9p.jpg#joomlaImage://local-images/Gemini_Generated_Image_1y9pot1y9pot1y9p.jpg?width=900&height=491)
Buying a home is already one of life’s most stressful experiences. Now, as home surveillance becomes increasingly common, buyers may feel like they’re being watched every step of the way.
A new LendingTree survey explores how recording devices are reshaping the homebuying experience and influencing buyer behavior in unexpected ways. Here's what we found.
- 56% of recent sellers had recording devices active during their latest sale or listing, and 72% of recent buyers say they saw or suspected cameras, microphones, or other recording devices during a home tour.
- 62% of consumers would keep recording devices active while selling a home, yet 64% of recent buyers worry sellers are watching, listening to or recording them during tours.
- Concern about being recorded led 22% of recent buyers to avoid discussing their budget or offer strategy, 22% also hid their excitement, and 21% avoided saying what they disliked.
- Recording devices have driven 19% of recent buyers to leave a showing and 18% to skip making an offer. Another 34% of Americans say the presence of recording equipment would make them less likely to submit an offer.
You can check out the full report here: https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/home-seller-spy-cams/
LendingTree's Chief Consumer Finance Analyst, Matt Schulz, had this to say:
“Home showings have always been a little like poker games, with buyers trying not to reveal too much too soon. Recording devices can change those dynamics even more. When people think every comment or reaction might be captured, they're more likely to hold back, and that can make what should be an honest home tour feel a lot more guarded. That's not ideal for buyers or sellers."
