We recommend that as a buyer agent, you always ask permission from the listing agent before recording or taking pictures of the property’s interior. Conversely, listing agents should ask their sellers if they would permit recording, live streaming or taking of pictures of their home’s interior.

While many sellers might agree to the recording of their property, some may have privacy concerns, or have valuable items which they do not want photographed or recorded. If the seller wishes to prohibit recording, this should be communicated to agents showing the property. In addition, sellers should be made aware that if they have concerns about privacy or security, they should remove such items from the home. For example, if the seller has a valuable painting, then the listing agent should suggest that the painting be removed prior to listing it. The same advice applies to personal photographs.

Asking for permission is always the best bet, and will ensure that you and your buyer client are not the target of a lawsuit for trespass or invasion of privacy.