Selling Your Home with Smart Technology
We write from time to time about home upgrades that are at the height of consumer interest, as well as those that are on the way out. One trend that you’ve most definitely been hearing buzz about is smart homes. By definition, smart homes are those that are controlled through a central portal, often a computer or smart phone. Tasks smart homes can be programmed to do include providing security, preheating your oven or programming your thermostat. Not sure whether a smart home is a wise investment for you? Here’s what you need to know!
Like a lot of discretionary home improvements (think pools, saunas and extravagant landscaping) the value of the upgrade relies on the person who owns the home appreciating it. While you shouldn’t upgrade your home with smart home improvements thinking you’re going to get your investment back in full, should you choose to sell, there are some decisions that you can make that will increase the likelihood of a future owner seeing worth in them.
Utility Savings: Many manufacturers are now marketing smart appliances that can be hooked up to electric meters. The perk of this feature is that it can assist you with shifting your electrical usage to off-peak hours as much as possible. This means that optional features such as your refrigerators defrost cycle runs at a cheaper time of the day.
Customer Support: Complicated technology that requires a degree in astrophysics isn’t something that a new homeowner is likely to embrace. When installing smart home features, opt for those that are easy to use and are also backed by a 24/7-customer service hotline that can be utilized for assistance.
Smartphone Integration: A recent survey by Coldwell Banker states that 62% of home buyers are interested in controlling their home technology through their smartphones or tablets. When installing this type of technology in your home, you’ll have the upper hand against other systems that require the utilization of additional devices that do not directly communicate with your smartphone.
Home Safety: In the same survey referenced above, nearly half of all homebuyers are drawn to home improvements with smart home integration that make the home a safer place to live. With that in mind, smart smoke alarms, security systems, outdoor lighting and locks are sure to be a home run with potential home buyers.
