When we walk through a home together during a showing, it's natural -- and often helpful -- to talk through your thoughts and impressions in real time. Processing out loud can often help you figure out what you like and don't like about a house.

But these days, it's wise to assume that someone (the seller) might be listening.

It's increasingly common for homes to have some form of audio or video recording -- whether it's a doorbell camera, a baby monitor, or a full home security system. While sellers are supposed to disclose the existence of an audio or video recording device (and I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that most do) it's not always clear when or where recording is happening. Thus, it's best to assume that all of our comments could be overheard in real time or reviewed later.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as we go to view houses...

1. Don't say anything that might offend the seller.

Comments about the decor, furniture, or how the home is maintained can easily be taken the wrong way. Even if it's not your style, it's still someone's home.

2. Don't say anything you wouldn't say directly to the seller.

If you wouldn't be comfortable sharing a thought face-to-face with the seller, hold off until we're outside or better yet, until we are driving away.

3. Don't say anything that could compromise our negotiating position.

You probably shouldn't say something like "This is the one!" or "I'd pay full price for this" -- as those could give the seller more information than we would prefer that they have when we are making an offer.

Once we've finished up with the showing and when we are out of range of any devices, we can freely discuss everything -- your thoughts, questions, concerns, and potential next steps. 

The goal is to be able to talk through what you are seeing, and what you think of it -- but we need to make sure to do so in a place and at a time such that it is a conversation just with us -- and not with the seller secretly listening in.