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Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes

February 9, 2021 By Chris Kopf

I tell buyers to always be aware – that there could be Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes. And these devices may be audio or video recording devices that are active in the home during a showing. “If you don’t want the Seller to hear something – don’t say it in the home, or outside the home. Wait until we are in the car or away from the home.”

Information Regarding Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes

We live in a tech world and home security and home monitoring are great things to have in your Crested Butte second home. You can monitor temperature of your home, you can install water shut-off devices in case you are having a leak, or your crawlspace temperature drops and to prevent pipes from freezing. 

Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte HomesA couple of years ago we had a bear get into our garage. Our dog Millie was going crazy at 2:00 in the morning. The next day we saw the trash tipped over and realized a bear got into the garage through the doggie door.  Another time there was a mountain lion sighting in Mt. CB and so I decided to get two Nest Cameras installed outside my home.  I get notifications based on sound or motion. I can go back and watch the video, and I have seen foxes, coyote, porcupine, and bears walking in our driveway at night.

Surveillance Use Durning Showings

Questions arise as to the Seller’s use of audio and video surveillance in homes during property showings. The reality is – once set-up most owners have no idea how to turn the devices off, and the hassle of doing this prior to showings is an unrealistic expectation.

Security devices are justifiably used in homes for security purposes. However, should they be used as a means of obtaining information on prospective buyers and their real estate brokers? Or to acquire confidential information about a prospective buyer? The improper use of these devices could possibly result in civil or criminal liability.

Audio Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes

There are benefits to having “personal assistant” such as the Echo Dot (Alexa), Google Home Mini (Google Assistant), Apple HomePod and other in the home and connected to the wifi network and the internet.  By design these devices are listening and recording anything and everything… 

In Colorado, audio surveillance needs the consent of at least one participant to the conversation. Before a recording can take place unless the eavesdropping device is used on one’s own premises for security or business purposes and notice is given to the public. (See §18-9-304 and 305, C.R.S.)

Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes

Therefore, if audio surveillance is being used by the seller in their home. It is advisable to follow state law and to give proper notice that such surveillance is present. A one-party rule applies when you are recording your conversation without the consent of the other person. However, not when you are not present and not participating in the conversation. If a seller wants to record a conversation between a prospective buyer and their real estate broker, this would be inappropriate and not allowed since the seller is not a party to that communication and the parties have not provided their consent. This would also apply to non-recording audio devices such as a walkie-talkie or monitor to listen in on private communications.

The best practice for a listing broker would be to discuss with your seller not to have audio recordings enabled during a showing unless a proper notice is provided to the prospective buyers and their real estate broker.

A best practice for a buyer’s broker would be to just assume that there may be an audio recording system in the premise. To advise their clients not to say anything that one would not want the listing broker or seller to hear. Have your private conversations at a time and place that you can have privacy with your client.

Video Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes


In Colorado, privacy laws prohibit anyone from visually recording another without consent. Situations where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. (See §18-7-801, C.R.S.) Therefore, would the person be video recorded to have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the location of the home where the recording is taking place? This would especially be true in the situation where a buyer is using the bathroom.

Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes

A listing broker should ask and find out if video surveillance devices are located in the home. The best practice would be to share this information with any buyer’s brokers or prospective buyers. To avoid any possible claims that illegal video recordings were made.

A posting of a prominent notice or additional signs on the property that alerts any visitors to the home that they may be video recorded would be advisable, as well as disclosing this in the MLS comment field.

A buyer’s broker would be well advised to let their buyer clients know that these video security devices are on the property and it would be best to advise them in writing. This would help if one of those clients made a subsequent claim that they did not know there were any video recording devices.

Another best practice would be to just assume that there may be video recording systems in the home, even if there is no signage, and to advise clients not to do or say anything that one would not want the listing broker or seller to see.


How Can I Help You?

Chris Kopf Crested ButteStay safe out there and enjoy the fresh new snow! Are you needing more information on the use of Surveillance Devices in Crested Butte Homes? Please Contact me to help you if you have any questions.

If you want to chat about the real estate market here in Crested Butte – give me a call… (970) 209-5405

I have been in your shoes – as both a Second Home Buyer and Seller here in Crested Butte.

The Crested Butte area offers a wide variety of properties including ski-in/ski-out single-family homes, ski-in/ski-out condominiums, lake and river frontage properties, golf course property, quality homes in Downtown Crested Butte, and true fine mountain homes on acreage.

To see Crested Butte Homes For Sale or search the MLS – visit ChrisKopf.com.

The Crested Butte Real Estate Market is very active. Click this link to see my monthly Crested Butte Real Estate Market Reports.

I have consistently been a Top Real Estate Agent in Crested Butte, and I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and be your Crested Butte Real Estate Agent.

Please contact me at:

Chris Kopf
Global Luxury Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Chris.kopf@CBMP.com
(970) 209-5405

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Chris Kopf, Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
305 6th Street
Crested Butte, CO 81224
  • Chris.Kopf@CBMP.com
  • (970) 209-5405

Testimonials

Bobby Nichols

"The first moment we met Chris, my wife and I knew he was all about what is happening in real estate sales in Crested Butte. He knows his job, the marketplace and the innovative ways to market your home in today's electronic internet space. A real professional that understood us and our needs in handling a very successful sales transaction. "

 
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:45:19-07:00
"The first moment we met Chris, my wife and I knew he was all about what is happening in real estate sales in Crested Butte. He knows his job, the marketplace and the innovative ways to market your home in today's electronic internet space. A real professional that understood us and our needs in handling a very successful sales transaction. "  
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/bobby-nichols/

Jeff Hollings

Chris is outstanding! We recently bought a second home in Crested Butte and Chris did a great job throughout the whole process. He has a thorough understanding of the market and the benefits and drawbacks of various locations. He was very patient with us as our preferences evolved throughout the search. He gave us valuable information on which to negotiate the purchase. He had great follow-up during the inspection/closing process (when we were not in town) and made sure all of the commitments made by the seller were properly completed.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:46:48-07:00
Chris is outstanding! We recently bought a second home in Crested Butte and Chris did a great job throughout the whole process. He has a thorough understanding of the market and the benefits and drawbacks of various locations. He was very patient with us as our preferences evolved throughout the search. He gave us valuable information on which to negotiate the purchase. He had great follow-up during the inspection/closing process (when we were not in town) and made sure all of the commitments made by the seller were properly completed.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jeff-hollings/

James Brennan

This was our first experience trying to purchase additional land with hopes of building a home. Chris was tremendously helpful throughout the entire process and his professionalism showed.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T17:59:24-06:00
This was our first experience trying to purchase additional land with hopes of building a home. Chris was tremendously helpful throughout the entire process and his professionalism showed.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/james-brennan/

Jane Saltzman

Chris was terrific to work with. The house sold faster then I ever expected! He was particularly helpful for this second home owner that couldn't always get there to take care of house issues. Thank you Chris!!!
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:49:37-07:00
Chris was terrific to work with. The house sold faster then I ever expected! He was particularly helpful for this second home owner that couldn't always get there to take care of house issues. Thank you Chris!!!
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jane-saltzman/

Georges Lussier

The thought of a short sale was intimidating, but Chris made the experience very easy with lots of guidance from start to finish. I would highly recommend Chris for any Real Estate need buying or selling.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:40-06:00
The thought of a short sale was intimidating, but Chris made the experience very easy with lots of guidance from start to finish. I would highly recommend Chris for any Real Estate need buying or selling.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/georges-lussier/

Frank Stringer

Chris Kopf is a wonderful person to work with on any real estate matter you may have in Crested Butte. He is extremely knowledgeable of all elements of the Crested Butte area. He helped us recently to buy a new second home in Skyland and the entire experience was first class under Chris's guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a real estate need in Crested Butte.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:51:04-07:00
Chris Kopf is a wonderful person to work with on any real estate matter you may have in Crested Butte. He is extremely knowledgeable of all elements of the Crested Butte area. He helped us recently to buy a new second home in Skyland and the entire experience was first class under Chris's guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a real estate need in Crested Butte.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/frank-stringer/

Paul & Julie Keesee

Chris was quite helpful in showing us homes in the area we were interested in and contacted us when new listings were available. We not only consider him our realtor but also a friend.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:59-06:00
Chris was quite helpful in showing us homes in the area we were interested in and contacted us when new listings were available. We not only consider him our realtor but also a friend.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/paul-julie-keesee/

Jim & Sandra Wickham

Chris' patience and persistence paid off for us in finding the right house for the right price. We would highly recommend Chris to any potential buyer.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:06:18-06:00
Chris' patience and persistence paid off for us in finding the right house for the right price. We would highly recommend Chris to any potential buyer.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jim-sandra-wickham/

Tom & Mary Aton

It was a great experience working with Chris, after showing me what I thought I wanted, he advised me of the pros and cons on the different condos and found one that I am thrilled with.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:06:31-06:00
It was a great experience working with Chris, after showing me what I thought I wanted, he advised me of the pros and cons on the different condos and found one that I am thrilled with.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/tom-mary-aton/

Dan Aquaviva

This agent has a very strong knowledge of the local area. He was very helpful in screening properties for potential purchase.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:26-06:00
This agent has a very strong knowledge of the local area. He was very helpful in screening properties for potential purchase.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/dan-aquaviva/
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Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf

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