Smart home technology is advancing in leaps and bounds, and it’s up to real estate agents to understand these new smart devices. Knowing what they are means that you can explain how they work to prospective home buyers and how they add value to properties – and that can help close sales! Here are some of the most common – and useful – smart home products that real estate agents need to know about.
- Smart Thermostats
Smart devices used to control home heating and cooling are revolutionary for several reasons. Not only do they let homeowners save on energy costs, by providing more accurate control over the temperature of a home, they allow a user to program preferences such as turning down the temperature at night and raising it in the morning. These devices also allow homeowners to check and adjust home temperatures while not even present. Some of the newest smart thermostat models even have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well for added protection.
- Smart Lighting Systems
Another technology that started out to control electricity costs, smart lighting systems consist of WiFi-enabled LED light bulbs that can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times of day through the use of a centralized base station or app. Like smart thermostats, smart lighting systems can be used to control lights remotely by homeowners from afar, and the newest systems allow you to change the brightness and even the tint of the light these bulbs emit.
- Smart Security Systems
Security systems are nothing new, as having one installed in a home has always been a selling point. Real estate agents need to know that newer smart systems put more control in the hands of homeowners instead of having to rely on outside security companies, though. Wireless cameras equipped with motion sensors and night vision technology combined with the ability to stream to a mobile device means that a homeowner can find out what’s going on in their property from anywhere.
- Smart Locks and Door Cameras
While technically a subset of a smart security system, smart locks and door cameras offer enough unique capabilities to warrant their own section. Real estate agents can demonstrate how a door camera can show you who’s knocking even if you’re not home, and a smart lock can let people in when needed and keep them out when unwanted, so that your pet-sitter can come and go without having to give them a key. It’s also a great way to keep an eye on any packages or deliveries to keep them safe!
- Smart Rain Sprinkler Systems
Homes with lawn irrigation systems are already an attractive draw, as they tend to have gorgeous, well-watered lawns. It’s often a pain for homeowners to learn how to operate sprinkler system controllers, but with a smart sprinkler system it’s much easier. These systems can monitor the weather in real-time and determine when a lawn needs watering automatically, cutting down on over- or under-watering. A bit of a niche product to be sure, but it’s a major selling point for certain demographics! These are just a few of the best and most useful smart devices that real estate agents need to know about. There are plenty others out there, and with more hitting the market every day it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the newest developments!