Smart Homes: An Overview
It seems today that most Americans are already taking part in the smart home phenomena. And those who are not currently in one, are looking to be. So much so that almost 45 percent of buyers who want move-in ready homes say they expect smart home technology to be a part of that move-in ready package. But what does smart home technology mean for those who are selling their home?
Here are some great tips for sellers whose homes are up to date with the latest smart home technology.
- Take some time and go over the smart home products with your agent if they are unfamiliar. This will have a huge impact on their (your agent’s) ability to demonstrate and explain these features to potential buyers – proving the value of each feature as they tour the home. If the buyer is able to see and understand the value in all of the smart home technology your house has they are more likely to make a quick offer
- Consider potentially setting up a guest Wi-Fi account so that people touring your home can play with the smart home technology with their phones. This will allow potential buyers to see it in action, allowing them to understand both how it works and how it can positively impact their day-to-day lives.
- Of course, always remember that safety has to always come first! Be sure to speak with both your agent and the smart home technology manufacturer to ensure that all of the technology has been reset back to the basic factory defaults. This will not only keep all of your devices safe and secure but will also allow the new homeowners to customize their devices as they wish.
If you are looking to purchase a place with smart home technology, there are a few things that you should research, and questions that you ought to ask your real estate agent throughout the looking and buying process. These include, but are not limited to
- Is the smart home tech I see in the house going to stay installed after closing?
- Are there any service agreements or costs I’ll need to factor in?
- What is the tech support like for this kind of smart home system?
- What is the warranty for this system?
- Can I test the smart home tech during my tour? If not, can the agent demo it for me?
- What kind of updates (if any) are available for this smart home system?
- Will this technology help to save me any money in the long run?
If you are considering purchasing a smart home system for your house remember, that buyers are willing to pay more for a house that has the latest in smart home technology. Many potential buyers are also tending to lean more towards buying a smart home when debating between two similar properties – even if the price of the technologically advanced home is a little bit more. In today’s real estate smart home technology is becoming an easy investment which will give homes a competitive advantage in a saturated market.