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How Technology Commands the Interest of Homebuyers When homebuyers tour a residence, they tend to look for certain key features. Square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the size of the kitchen are priorities for most homebuyers. It's always been that way. But recently, another item has been added to the list of must-haves for homebuyers: technology. Smart Home Tech is on Buyers' Must-Have Lists According to a recent survey from CNET and Coldwell Banker, 81 percent of homebuyers say they're more likely to purchase a home if it features smart home technology, and 71 percent say they actively seek a residence with smart technology. "Smart home technology is a consumer driven movement," said Sean Blankenship, Coldwell Banker's chief marketing officer. "Our research confirms this technology has a positive influence in the appeal of a home -- and agents agree." Add Smart Home Tech for Higher Values and More Buyer Interest Whether you're a seller or a real estate agent, this feature is massive when you're trying to move a property. The addition of smart home tech to a house should be a key advertising tenet. The survey states that 35 percent of Americans say a home is considered move-in ready if it has smart home technology, which means they won't ask the seller to pay for repairs or lower the asking price. Essentially, you'll get more money for the home if it's equipped with tech. Coldwell Banker strongly suggests that sellers who seek the most value for their home add some smart-tech features. Not only does this make home living more comfortable, but it generates more buyer interest. Any kind of smart home technology is attractive to buyers, but certain features outperform others. Here are some of the most popular smart home features. Smart Locks Everyone hates to lose their keys. Smart locks make this a non-issue. As long as you have your smartphone, you don't need keys. You can also unlock the door from anywhere with a wireless connection, so you can let in the exterminator or a friend while you're away. Some of the most popular smart locks include:
Smart Thermostats With a smart thermostat, you can program the heat and air to run while you're home and turn it all off while you're away. The tech can learn your schedule and is easily adjustable from a smartphone. You'll have a more comfortable home atmosphere as well as reduced utility bills. The top-rated smart thermostats on the market include:
Integrated Security Systems The newest automated security systems go far beyond a basic alarm. They also have cameras and are integrated with other aspects of your smart home, such as lights and locks. The ability to arm or disarm the alarm from a smartphone is another must. The newest smart security systems recognize the need for programs that go beyond the basics. Some favorites among homebuyers include:
Voice Activated Controls Since the Amazon Echo and Google (News - Alert) Home are growing in popularity, homebuyers want to see these features and more in their home. Voice-activated controls make it possible to turn on the lights, activate security systems, play music throughout the house, check the weather, or compile your shopping list without touching anything. Voice-activated controls are just starting to penetrate the realm of smart home tech. The technology is in its infancy, so early adoption is key to integrating such smart features into your home. Edited by Alicia Young |