And, if you are planning to sell your home, chances are, you are buying another one, so when you install these smart devices in your current home, you will already know how to use the technology in your next home and be ready to use them when you move in.
A recent survey provides data that seems to back up the growing appeal of these three smart home devices for buyers. According to the survey, more than 60% of homebuyers were interested in smart security upgrades and more than 70% said that smart thermostats and smart smoke alarms were attractive features they look for in listings.
1. Smart Security
No matter which generation your potential homebuyers were born into, it seems they agree with their neighboring gens on the importance of buying a home in a safe neighborhood. With more than 90% of boomers, gen xers, and millennials all agreeing on this one idea, according to recent data, it’s a safe bet that if your home has smart security features, your listing will be equally appealing to nearly every age set of potential homebuyers. Any upgrades that can have such broad appeal are a good idea to have in a home for sale.
When it comes to smart security, here are two inexpensive upgrades you can install with ease:
Smart door locks
Smart locks pair with Bluetooth on your smart phone to your deadbolt making the need to find your keys a thing of the past. Smart locks can also detect your presence, reducing the chance of getting locked out of the house. Keyless entry via a smart lock also means you can easily share your "e-key" with family members and, as a home seller, even your real estate agent. Finally, if you drive off on an errand, you can remotely lock the door--no more driving home to check if your locked the front door.
Smart doorbell
Smart doorbells are internet-connected devices that alert you when someone is at the door. If a visitor presses the smart doorbell button, your smart phone chimes--it can sound just like a traditional doorbell. But unlike those, when you install a smart doorbell, it uses a video camera that lets you see who it is. You can even speak to the person without having to open the door. It's a safer way to be sure you know the person before you open your door, and even at night, you can clearly see who it is because of built-in night vision technology. The video camera in smart doorbells also let's you see who came to the door while you were away, and most of these smart devices can be integrated with an existing surveillance system.
2. Smart Thermostat
The biggest appeal to installing a smart thermostat for homebuyers and homeowners alike is that using one can help lower heating and cooling costs, typically a homeowner’s most expensive year-round utility bill to pay. Smart thermostats are WiFi-connected devices that you can control from your smart phone or tablet. From your phone, you can schedule temperature settings for different times of the day and evening, and if you have a home automation system, you can usually integrate a smart thermostat.
3. Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Thought experiment: If your smoke alarm sounds off while you are in woods, will anyone hear it? Traditional smoke alarms require you to hear them. If no one is home to hear the alarm, that can spell trouble. (Though any type of working smoke alarm in your home is still a better than none).
The biggest benefit to installing both smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is you do not need to be at your home to be alerted to trouble.
