Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

Which statement is correct regarding buyers taking photos and videos during a property showing?

1. Buyers are not permitted to take any photos without the seller's permission.

2. Buyers can take photos without permission if they capture non-personal items.

3. Sellers are required to be present to prevent photo-taking by buyers.

4. Sellers must provide written consent for any photos taken during a showing.

5. Buyers may take photos if the seller is not present.

6. Buyers are allowed to record video as long as it is for personal use only.

The correct answer is: Buyers are not permitted to take any photos without the seller's permission.

The key to understanding the correct choice revolves around the expectations of privacy and the necessity for consent during property showings. Buyers are generally not permitted to take photos or videos of a property without the explicit permission of the seller. This is primarily to protect the seller's right to privacy and ensure that personal belongings or sensitive information within the home are not disclosed or shared without consent. Real estate professionals often guide their clients on the importance of respecting the seller's privacy and property, which is enshrined in ethical practices within the industry. The other responses introduce scenarios that undermine the fundamental principle of needing consent. For instance, taking photos without permission—regardless of whether the images depict personal or non-personal items—can infringe on the seller's privacy rights. Similarly, the presence or absence of the seller during the showing does not waive the need for consent. Thus, the notion that buyers require permission captures the ethical and legal frameworks governing real estate interactions, reflecting a standard procedure that respects the seller's rights while navigating the home-selling process.