From robot vacuums to fully integrated smart home hubs your home can be as smart as you want it to be. Each year, the list of smart home upgrades grows as does the percentage of homeowners integrating these devices into their houses.
According to MediaPost, in 2021, 69% of households in the U.S. have at least one smart device. But upgrading all of your home’s systems and appliances to “smarter” versions can be costly.
“I’ve seen plenty of homeowners go over the top with smart home upgrades,” says Joe Zimmerman of the Zimmerman Group. “While a few wisely selected upgrades will boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers, a home that has smart features at every turn can be a turn-off.
Homebuyers want added convenience, they want to save time and money,” he continues, “and the thought of learning how to control and maintain an overly smart home can be overwhelming.”
Go slow when choosing smart home upgrades and know that the best options are the ones that make life easier and save you money.
1. Video Door Bells
Video doorbells are relatively inexpensive and simple to install. They also offer added security and, in some cases, they can even save you money.
American Family Insurance and the Ring Video Doorbell company offered to reimburse policyholder’s deductibles if their home with a Ring Doorbell was burglarized.
Look for video doorbells that feature wi-fi connectivity, hi-definition recording, motion detection, two-way communication, and night-vision.
2. Smart Locks
When it comes to convenience, it’s hard to beat a smart lock. Gone are the days of spare keys hidden under rocks in the garden and the sinking feeling you forgot to lock the doors.
Smart locks offer keyless entry to your home through a built-in keypad or wi-fi connect app. You can also receive alerts when the door is unlocked or connect it to other smart devices, like your lights.
Look for smart locks with long battery life, auto-lock and unlock features, a good weather-proof rating, and a grade one or two ANSI lock quality rating.
3. Smart Thermostats
Smart heating and cooling systems can save users up to 50% of their energy consumption according to the article An In-Depth View into Smart Home Statistics.
“In my experience, smart thermostats are the most asked for smart home upgrade,” says Coleen Karpf of the Zimmerman Group. “Buyers see them as a simple way to save money and sellers know it’s an easy and fairly inexpensive upgrade.”
Options like the Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat learn your temperature preferences so you don’t have to worry about programming it yourself. You can also monitor your energy usage and history through the app which, according to a survey conducted by Realtor.com, is one of the top smart home features buyers are looking for.
Look for smart thermostats with wi-fi capabilities, automatic software updates, alerts, and room sensors.
4. Wi-Fi Enabled Garage Door Openers
A study conducted by metropolitan police has shown that nearly 50% of all residential burglaries could be traced to an open garage. Not to mention, an open garage door is an invitation for animal infestation and weather damage.
Wi-fi enabled garage door openers allow you to check on the status of your garage door even when you’re not home and set a timer so that your door closes automatically at the same time each evening.
As a bonus, many wi-fi enabled garage door openers are belt-driven making them whisper-quiet when compared to their traditional chain-driven counterparts.
Look for models with real-time alert notifications, scheduling capabilities, ample horsepower, and a belt-driven opening system.
5. Outdoor Smart Lights
While there are plenty of smart security lighting options available, we’re recommending investing in smart ambient lighting. A beautifully landscaped yard equals extra living space in the eyes of potential buyers and a few well-placed smart lights can really wow visitors.
All-in-one kits like Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Lily Outdoor Spot Light Kit come with everything you need to take your backyard game to the next level.
Look for low-voltage options which plug into any outdoor outlet for easy fuss-free installation.
Your home doesn’t have to be decked out with technology to make an impact on the way you live or on potential buyers. Just a few smart home upgrades can make all the difference.
From smart home upgrades to energy-efficient add-ons we’ve got homes to meet your every need.
Contact us today to start your home search.
