In a hot real estate market, you want your home to stand out from the crowd, and one way of doing that is through the use of smart technology. Smart technology allows you to use your smartphone or other internet-connected device to control the systems in your home, such as thermostats, smoke detectors, door locks, security systems, and garage doors. These upgrades are an easy and affordable way to make your property more appealing to the modern house hunter. Here are the top smart devices home buyers are looking for right now:
Thermostats
Smart thermostats are easy to install, and they can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in the home while saving money on your electric bill. Through the use of sensors, these devices learn your habits and automatically adjust temperatures to your ideal setting. They even switch into energy efficient modes when you are not home to reduce your energy consumption. Most models also allow you to control temperatures using your smartphone and will provide on-demand reports on energy usage.
Popular models are:
- Honeywell
Smoke Detectors
Next generation smoke detectors monitor the air in your home and allow you to see real-time data regarding the air’s quality using your smartphone. Many of today’s models detect more than just smoke and carbon monoxide. They can also measure the concentration of dust, allergens, humidity, and pollen throughout your home. You can receive alerts to your phone when the air quality changes, which can be a great selling point for your home’s future owner.
Popular products:
- Birdi Smart Air Monitor
Door Locks
Never fumble for your keys again! With new smart door locks, you can open your front door with just your fingerprint or a numeric code, replacing the traditional deadbolt. The locks connect to your smartphone and alert you when anyone opens the door. When you have long-term visitors, give them temporary fingerprint access or a guest code so they can come and go as they please. This can be a fun feature to highlight during showings by giving the buyer’s agent a custom code to enter the property.
Popular products:
Security Systems
Monitor your home from anywhere with your smartphone through a smart security system. These devices can be set to turn lights on when they detect motion, activate security cameras on demand, and alert you when doors and windows are opened. If your security alarm goes off while you are away, use your phone to check that your home is safe. Did you forget to arm your system? There’s no reason to worry, because you can do it from your phone anywhere, anytime.
Popular products:
- iSmart Alarm
Refrigerators
High-tech kitchen appliances are sure to be a topic of conversation during showings. Smart refrigerators monitor your fridge’s inventory and even track expiration dates of what’s already inside. It gets better: the technology can automatically add items to a shopping list on your smartphone when you run out of something, or if food goes bad. You can control temperature and humidity in different areas of the fridge to keep foods fresh for longer and run the appliance more efficiently. Most feature a large-screen display on the front of the fridge and allow you to control settings from your phone.
Popular products:
Whole Home Systems
Some companies are designing internet-powered systems that give your smartphone the capability to control all of the appliances in your home, including lights, locks, garage doors, thermostats, security, window shades, door bells, and more. These systems work with branded components, as well as a selection of other third-party products.
Popular products:
Are you thinking of selling a home in Seattle? Contact us to learn which updates might help you sell your home quickly and for the best possible price.