IN Pine-Richland Fall 2019 | Page 11

INDUSTRY INSIGHT REAL ESTATE S mart home upgrades are HOT. A recent survey says that 65 percent of buyers, especially millennials, are willing to spend more on homes that are equipped with smart devices. Moreover, today’s definition of a move-in ready home has shifted. It’s not just about fresh paint and refinished hardwood floors anymore. An increasing number of buyers don’t consider a property move-in ready until it’s equipped with smart devices. Considering that a Coldwell Banker survey found that 71 percent of buyers desire a move-in ready home, adding smart products is a smart move. But which upgrades are worth your time and money? Here is a guide of considerations for installing smart devices. What Buyers Want The most desirable upgrades have these features: • Temperature control • Security and safety • Convenience • Compatibility with mainstream voice control devices and smart speakers In addition, buyers prefer upgrades that stay with the home when you sell it. They want permanent gadgets that can be integrated with any voice command unit they bring when they move in. Conversely, if you already have smart devices, but plan on taking them with you, you should consider removing them until your home sells. The Best Investments You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your listing more appealing. In fact, you can find many of these devices for under $300 each, with plenty hovering around $100. Thermostats. One of the most popular features in a smart home is the Wi-Fi- connected thermostat. These devices allow you to not only program the temperature changes throughout the day for energy savings, but also to control the temperature by voice or even through an app when you’re away from home. Smoke, Gas, and CO Alarms. Common threats to your safety require prompt notification. Imagine being able to know if your house is on fire or experiencing a gas leak even when you’re away. With smart alarms, it’s possible. SPONSORED CONTENT Connected alarm systems notify the owners of any safety issues within the home, wherever they are. Security Systems. There are numerous smart-home security systems on the market that can be controlled by phone or voice command. That means homeowners can arm and disarm the system without fiddling with a complicated keypad. They can also view video streams and notify police of an emergency from their phones. These systems can even include window sensors, motion detectors, and much more. Lighting. Smart lighting allows homeowners to dim or turn lights on and off with a simple voice command or remotely if needed. They also allow you to set programs to automatically turn on/off lights. Connected lights can also act as a de facto security system. By setting your programs to a randomized pattern, it can create the appearance that the home is occupied, potentially scaring off any would-be intruders. Garage Door Openers. Garages are a popular point of entry for homeowners, but they’re also a common security breach. That’s where smart garage door openers come in. These devices can notify homeowners when the garage opens and closes and allow 24/7 monitoring of the garage. The doors can also be opened and closed remotely through a smartphone app. This can be especially useful if you need to let someone in. Amazon now has a service that allows deliveries to be placed inside your garage using these devices. Video Doorbells. Your home’s new owners won’t need to get off the couch to find out who’s at the door with this smart upgrade – they won’t even need to be home. Video doorbells are equipped with motion detectors and 24/7 surveillance, which will notify occupants that someone’s at the door, even if no one rings the doorbell. They also allow you to communicate with whoever is at the door. These doorbells can also serve a security purpose by giving the person at the door the impression that someone is home. A Smart Home Sells When putting your house on the market, it always helps if your property stands out from the competition. Investing in a few low-cost smart home devices can help you do just that, and it could pay dividends when your home sells. “I pride myself on a thorough understanding of my clients’ needs and desires, as well as my ability to make my clients feel as though they are my only client.” LUZ CAMPBELL / Office: 724.776.2900 / Cell: 724.713.1462 / [email protected] © 2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. PINE-RICHLAND ❘ FALL 2019 9