Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
A recent article in WTOP.com highlights how using smart technology can help increase the value of your home and may well make it easier to sell when the time comes to put it on the market.
Products include smart thermostats and home devices that will connect the Internet and wireless speakers. Not surprisingly, the most popular smart systems are those that help to reduce energy bills which include lighting and shading and thermostats. Heating and cooling accounts for approximately 50% of utility bills and using a smart thermostat could save a homeowner between 12% and 15%. The article points out that the cost of replacing an older thermostat with a smart thermostat could be covered within 2 to 3 years.
Lots of people forget to switch off lights when they leave a room, unnecessarily increasing their energy bills. Smart lighting systems can detect when someone is in a room and will turn off lights if no movement is detected or can be scheduled to come on at a particular time of day.
Home security products are another popular item, especially those that can send live feed directly to a smartphone or tablet, or which will alert you when motion sensors in your home are set off. This type of technology is ideal for anybody with children or for those who have to travel frequently. Being able to connect directly to your home to check on it can improve peace of mind and is a great selling point. Smart smoke detectors and CO sensors are other popular items as these will immediately alert you if CO or smoke is sensed so you will know straight away if there is an issue.
According to the article, buyers react positively towards homes with smart technology, particularly if they already have smart devices that they are planning to leave when they sell their current property. Apparently, 81% would be more willing to buy home with connected technology already in situ. A recent survey also found that 65% of respondents would be willing to pay more for smart home technology packages while more than 50% would be willing to pay for extra security and network connected appliances.
The article also adds the word of caution for people thinking of adding smart devices to their home, as it is important to avoid devices that are gimmicky or which will quickly become outdated.
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