If you pay attention to home trends or technology at all, you’ve probably been hearing about “smart home tech” quite a bit lately. Maybe you’ve even heard that adding smart features can boost your home’s value. But what exactly is smart home tech… and can it really help your home sell for more?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Smart Home Tech?
Simply put, smart home tech—otherwise known as home automation—uses technology to control various processes around the house. This might include, but is certainly not limited to, lights, cameras, windows and blinds, thermostats, locks, and more. This technology gives you the ability to control your home with the push of a button—even if you’re not home.
Benefits of smart home tech
Sure, it’s convenient to be able to turn your lights off an on without getting out of your chair, but smart home tech goes way beyond simple conveniences. It can save you money on utility bills, help you create routines, and even prevent emergencies.
Smart home tech can do simple things like controlling when lights or heating turns on and off (saving your money), more complex things like powering off devices remotely (no more wondering if you left the oven on), and even protect your home while you’re away.
Types of smart home tech
Smart home tech can fall into a variety of categories. Hubs and controllers, for example, typically use your home internet to connect and control various devices, either by voice or screen control. Amazon Echo and Google Nest fall into this category.
Home surveillance systems typically use cameras to track motion, light, and other activity around your home, and can even set off alarms and auto-dial 911 in case of emergency.
Smart locks and home security systems don’t just protect against intruders—they can also help keep your home safe from a variety of other threats, like fires and floods.
Smart heating and cooling systems allow you to set, control, and regulate your home’s temperature and efficiency by setting schedules, monitoring usage, and even remotely controlling your thermostat.
Other types of smart home tech include lightbulbs and lighting, kitchen appliances, vacuums, health and fitness devices, sprinklers, and lawn mowers.
Do Smart Homes Sell for More?
Can adding a few pieces of technology really increase your home’s value? Studies show that yes, in fact, it can. A study by Consumer Reports found that a home’s value can increase as much as 5% with the addition of home automation. Another study by T3 Sixty noted that 40% of agents believe smart homes sell faster—regardless of price.
However, not all smart home features will return the same value. Here are the ones to focus on.
Best smart features for home value
When adding smart tech, it’s best to concentrate on two main categories: tech that saves money (typically by reducing usage), and tech that increases safety and security.
For the former, tech that focuses on lighting and temperature usually offers the highest energy savings. This might also include smart appliances.
For the latter, security and home monitoring systems are the way to go. These include anything that can help detect and deter burglars, as well as monitor gas, moisture, and radon levels. These might include smart locks, cameras, smoke detectors, and more.
Need More on Smart Home Tech?
Looking for more information on home automation and smart technology? We’ve got you covered! If you’re thinking of selling a home in the Erie area, Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services is here to help. We can help you determine which smart tech is best for your home—then get it looking fantastic, price it accurately, and list it for top dollar.