Whether you are updating the old bathroom fixtures or installing hard-wood flooring, upgrades and improvements are a great way to increase the appeal of your home.
Smart home upgrades are a great way to increase your home’s appeal and potentially motivate buyers to pay a higher price. According to Realtor.com, a large share of buyers would be willing to pay more for a home with smart home technology (View article).
Smart homes let homeowners control connected devices and appliances remotely through their smartphone or tablet. Smart home technology can add value, save money, increase safety, promote comfort, reduce stress, and provide convenience.
According to the National Association of Realtors, “If a property has a reliable internet connection and "smart" items in at least three categories, it is considered a smart home. Realtors® can then market the home as such, making it a more attractive commodity for both buyers and sellers” (Benefits of Smart Home Technology Discussed at Realtors® Expo, 2021). To qualify as a smart home, the property must have a smart security feature or a smart temperature feature with reliable internet access in addition to two additional smart home features.
Smart Home Upgrades
More and more homeowners are integrating smart home devices. According to Realtor.com, the most popular smart home device is a smart TV followed by smart speakers, a smart doorbell, smart thermostat, a smart security system, and a robot vacuum (View article).
Smart TV
A smart TV is a connected TV that allows for streaming. Here, at the lake, our cable providers are limited. A smart TV is necessary for streaming of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, etc. Leave your smart TV behind to offer the buyers the added benefit of an installed and connected TV.
Smart Speakers & Central Voice-Activated Systems
"Alexa, play [artist/song/album name]." Depending on your selected brand of smart speakers, Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant will likely be integrated. Smart speakers are connected speakers with a virtual assistant that allows for hands-free activation and command-based control. With your voice, you can play music, check the weather, order takeout, track a package, control your smart home devices, and so much more.
To take this hands-free control a step further, central voice-activated systems can be connected to smart lights, smart blinds, and other smart devices enabling you to turn on/off lights, open/close blinds, or turn on/off music without getting up.
Smart Doorbell
A smart doorbell is connected to your smartphone and includes a camera/microphone. Through your smartphone, you can view and speak with visitors at your front door. You can purchase stand-alone smart doorbells or integrate smart doorbells with your smart security system for additional functionality such opening the door remotely. Smart doorbells are a great way to monitor for packages, monitor activity outside your house, and help you avoid door-to-door salesman.
Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature of your home via your smartphone app. You can also program customizations to adjust to the weather, your schedule, or even the number of people in your home. Smart thermostats can also help reduce your energy usage and cost. Best of all, you can regulate the temperate of your home remotely. For second-home owners, this offers convenience and peace of mind. No more having to head to the lake to turn on the heat when the temperature starts to drop,
Smart Home Security System
Smart home security systems allow 24/7 monitoring from your smartphone. Depending on your system, it may include security cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, and smart lights. From your smartphone, you could potentially view video surveillance, receive motion alerts, view and communicate with visitors at your front door via the video doorbell, lock/unlock your smart locks, and set timers for smart lights.
These features are a great way to give you peace of mind knowing your second home is secured when you are away. No more worrying if you locked the back door. Now, you could simply check your phone and confirm the door is locked.
Robot Vacuum
A robotic vacuum allows you to keep your floors clean with less effort. They have sensors to detect obstacles and navigate. Simply turn on your robotic vacuum and let it clean all those hard-to-reach places under tables and chairs.
Wrapping up
Based on Realtor.com findings, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart doorbells, smart thermostats, smart security systems, and a robot vacuum were the most demanded smart home features. However, there are many more possibilities that you can consider including smart blinds, smart smoke detectors, smart sprinkler control, smart lighting, smart moisture sensor, smart solar panels, smart kitchens, smart home theaters, a smart toilet, a smart sleep sanctuary, smart sauna or steam room, etc.