— EDITOR’S NOTE:
This guest post was written by Suzie Wilson of Happier Home, who knows far more about this topic than I do, and I recommend you all check out her site. I thought it fit in well with seller’s month (because it’s about adding value to your home) and also Earth Day, because smarter homes are often more energy efficient homes. It also fits in with an upcoming post about what I learned from the inspection of an 1878 mansion, as well as next month’s theme. Thank you so much, Suzie!
I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY! —
Smart home technology is making homes safer, more integrated, and more convenient than ever, and homebuyers are taking notice. According to Coldwell Banker's Smart Home Marketplace survey, the majority of buyers today prefer a home with smart technology. Here are the most popular smart features with buyers and how you can use them to help sell your home.
Smart Thermostats
Percentage of buyers who want it: 77 percent
What you'll spend: $150 - $250
Smart thermostats allow users to adjust the temperature and review energy use data from any Wi-Fi-connected device. After a period of learning users' temperature preferences, a smart thermostat adjusts the temperature to maximize comfort while minimizing energy bills.
Smart Smoke Detectors
Percentage of buyers who want it: 75 percent
What you'll spend: $35 - $120
Smart smoke detectors send an alert to your phone when the alarm goes off. As CNET explains, there are several ways to achieve smart smoke detection:
Replace the smoke detector with a Wi-Fi-connected model. While the most expensive option, it offers the benefit of silencing alarms from your phone.
Install a listening device. This is a separate device that sends alerts when a smoke alarm is heard. Listening devices are an affordable alternative to replacing every smoke detector in a big home.
Use smart batteries. Smart batteries are Wi-Fi enabled and power your smoke detector the same as any other battery. A silencing function is included when used with battery-powered alarms.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Percentage of buyers who want it: 70 percent
What you'll spend: $35 - $150
Smart carbon monoxide detectors work the same way as smart smoke detectors. Smart batteries can also be used with combination smoke-CO detectors.
Smart Cameras
Percentage of buyers who want it: 66 percent
What you'll spend: $150 - $300 plus subscription fees
Smart home cameras let you react to security events or your dog's at-home antics while they're happening. A smart home camera detects movement within its view, records the footage, and notifies you. Some cameras also include two-way talk, face recognition, and other features. Buyers should be aware that some smart home cameras include subscription fees for cloud storage of footage.
Smart Locks
Percentage of buyers who want it: 63 percent
What you'll spend: $150 - $300
Unlock and lock your doors with the touch of a button — even if you're away from home. Track what time the dog sitter comes and goes, assign a single-use code to the handyman, and know immediately if someone tampers with your door. These are the highlights of what smart locks can do for your home, but it's not all. This smart home feature is great for security-minded buyers as well as people with limited hand mobility.
Smart Lighting
Percentage of buyers who want it: 63 percent
What you'll spend: $15 - 60 per bulb or $50 - $160 per switch
You have two options for smart home lighting: smart switches or smart bulbs. However, as Vintage Revivals points out, it's usually more cost-effective to install smart switches because a single switch can control multiple bulbs. However, in lights where you want dimmability, bulbs are the right choice. Ensure everything is wired correctly by hiring an electrician to swap out switches; you'll pay around $189 to $543 for the convenience in New York City.
When shopping for smart devices for your home, follow Investopedia's recommendation and stick with well-known brands like Apple, Google, Nest, and Samsung. Buyers recognize and trust smart home technology from these brands. While they might cost more than off-brand alternatives, they offer the best return on investment. Additionally, off-brand technology may not share the long-term support and smart home integration offered by mainstream brands. Also, it may not hurt to invest in some great tools to help you install things if you’re doing it yourself. Finally, check around online for the top security providers in New York City who can help get your smart home security system up and running.
It's clear that homebuyers are interested in smarter homes. And with low prices for many popular devices, sellers have little to lose when they upgrade with smart home technology. When you install one of these smart home solutions or all six, you’re creating the tech-savvy quality that buyers desire.
- - Suzie Wilson