Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
A recent survey on smart home products carried out by Scripps Networks Interactive revealed that most homeowners in the United States are interested in using new technology to help improve their quality of life and their homes.
The article in telecompetitor.com revealed that the most desirable attributes in smart home products are safety and comfort, with value, convenience and efficiency also being rated very highly. Less than 20% of respondents replied that a desire to meet others expectations was motivation for purchasing smart home products. In comparison, nearly 68% viewed energy efficiency as being a major motivating factor, due to a payoff in energy savings, as well as a higher resale value for the property. Having a more energy-efficient home also complies with social pressure to be more environmentally friendly.
Desirable attributes vary amongst the different age groups as for example Millennials are interested in purchasing smart home technology that will make carrying out daily tasks more convenient. In comparison, Generation X buyers are looking for smart home products that help to create a healthier home environment. Baby boomers are interested in adding value to their home.
The top room for adding smart home products was the kitchen, with 28% of Generation X and 27% of Millennials choosing this room. Interestingly just 23% of Baby Boomers were interested in adding products to their kitchen. Top appliances for kitchen products included app-enabled appliances, smart refrigerators, voice-activated wireless speakers and motion sensor lighting. The second most popular area was the front doorway or entryway, with 15% of respondents choosing this area, while the living room came in third at 13%.
While increasing numbers of people may be interested in smart home technology, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are making purchases. Although 44% said they would like to install smart lighting products or smart energy automation, just 11% were actually intending to do so. Lighting products and smart home energy management were top of the list for smart home projects, with doorbell cameras and surveillance systems and computer-controlled home systems also ranking highly. Around a third of respondents were interested in adding home audio automation, motion lights and a security system and HVAC automation.
The survey also revealed that most people are interested in finding a good consultant who would be able to help with smart home purchases. Millennials are the most likely to add smart home technology, with Generation X coming in a close second.
