Pro tip: buyers -- how what you say in front of a doorbell camera could affect negotiation on your Sacramento dream home...

If I had a nickel for every doorbell camera I’ve seen while showing a home in Sacramento…well, I could probably buy really nice doorbell camera. 

In my 20 years as a Sacramento Realtor, I’ve watched plenty of trends come and go, but one of the more recent changes in how we tour homes is the rise of doorbell cameras and smart home devices. 

These days, it feels like at least half the homes I list for sellers or show to buyers have one, quietly recording video and, in many cases, audio. That means when you’re chatting with your agent on the front porch, the seller might be able to hear every word. And in real estate, those words can be worth more than you think. 

It’s not just the front door, either. Inside, devices like Alexa, Google Home, or built-in security systems can also pick up casual remarks about the home. That innocent “wow this house is amazing” or “I love this kitchen” or discussing what you might offer and how high you are willing to go could easily end up as leverage in negotiations. 

Tip from a seasoned Sacramento real estate pro: Save your unfiltered thoughts for after the showing. You never know how your comments might play out once it’s time to make an offer or request repairs.