Investing in a smartphone is a no-brainer for most people, but what is the market like for smart homes? Forty-five percent of Americans either own smart home technology or intend to spend money on it in 2016. With nearly half of Americans enamored with home automation, there’s undoubtedly a market that exists for high tech homes. In the months and years ahead, tech-minded house hunters will discover more and more smart home options on the market. Likewise, smart home sellers can take comfort in knowing there’s a considerable pool of house hunters serious about home automation.
What makes a home “smart?” or High Tech
The term “smart home” can often mean myriad things. A survey discovered that people view a home as “smart” whenever it has automated security (such as locks and alarms), temperature control, lighting, and/or safety features (like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).
The most popular type of smart home technology currently in homes is “smart entertainment,” with “smart security (31%t) and smart temperature (30 %)” tying for second. Not just for tech geeks
The survey reveals that of those who “either have smart home technology or plan to purchase it in 2016,” 36 percent “don’t consider themselves early adopters of technology.”
So if purchasing a high tech home leaves you feeling a tad uneasy, understand that you’re in good company because there are many others also new to the concept of home automation. What’s more, you’re more likely to love an Internet of Things (IoT)-filled home. Once people purchase their first smart home product, they’re hooked, the studies suggest – and in addition they buy more IoT products for the home.
Home tech buyers love
If you’re already in a high tech home, rest assured that you’re on trend. But don’t assume that everything in your smart house is on a house hunter’s wish list. But don’t invest in too many high-tech features, Consumer Reports advises, as they “offer notoriously bad returns on investment” because of quickly evolving technologies.
However, certain smart technologies do add value. People are most enthusiastic about programmable thermostats and automated lights, locks, and home security systems, according to Consumer Reports. Bonus: You may potentially get a three- to five-percent increase in your selling price just because of these home automation perks.
While there’s an expanding audience of prospective buyers searching for smart homes, you will still find those who are hesitant about home automation. Some view incorporating new technologies into the home as conflicting with design, but this isn’t necessarily the way it is.
A knowledgeable real estate agent can help debunk the myth that home automation means bulky tech devices. In marketing materials and during an open house, your tech-minded agent should highlight how it’s actually possible to have a smart home with design in mind.
Choose a smart-savvy agent
If you’re hunting for or selling a tech-savvy home, you’ll wish to first make sure to choose a real estate agent with smart home experience. Spend time reading agent reviews and searching for comments related to smart technology and home automation.
Once you’ve found your house automation-minded agent, communicate the technologies you have or are hoping to find in a home. When selling your home, it’s crucial that your agent knows how to explain to potential buyers the value of smart technology and just how home automation may make life easier.
If you’re ready to purchase your first high tech home, or sell the one you have, take comfort knowing that high tech homes are becoming increasing available and popular. Find an experienced high tech real estate agent and make sure the house you’re selling or buying has the smart home technology basics, and you’ll be well on your way to closing the smart home deal of your dreams.
Nick & Cindy Davis can assist you in finding your new home here in the Tampa Bay and Surrounding areas. We are always just a click here or call to 813-300-7116 away.
