Get an Edge, Know Smart Home Tech
I’ve been noticing more agents and clients talking about Smart Home technology, i.e., a seller who loves her intuitive security system or a buyer looking for a house with smart appliances.
And those are good conversations to have. As we continue our value message to clients, Smart Homes will be in the conversation more and more. We are the experts and this will be an increasingly important part of our product, their home.
So, as tech companies race to develop new gadgets to meet the growing demand from homeowners for added convenience and value, we need to be more than spectators. I think agents who hone their knowledge on Smart Home products will have an edge over less-informed competition for new business, and increase potential sales in this niche of the luxury home market.
It’s no different than knowing about the renovations that pay off or the paint and design styles that help sell houses.
Home tech has become so important there’s a new staging kit aimed at agents, sellers and buyers to guide them with starter Smart Home products. And, insurance companies are offering incentives to homeowners and renters who install connected devices, ranging from moisture sensors to video doorbells.
So get acquainted with these nifty gadgets, whether through online research, your clients or in your own house. (I’m having fun “testing” my new assistant Alexa.)
Smart Speakers
Alexa is the “attendant” in Amazon’s Echo, which lets you control appliances, locks and lights, and direct entertainment and internet searches, by voice commands. It’s a hands-free speaker cylinder that sits on your counter. No smart phone or tablet.
Google launched Home just before the holiday season, and reports have Apple working on its own version of a smart speaker.
Security
Canary has a smart alert system that detects movement when you’re not home and sends you a video ($170), and Nest offers indoor security Cam. August’s Smart Lock lets you unlock and lock your doors or create a virtual key for visitors.
Garage doors
Ryobi, LiftMaster and Chamberlain are top brands for gadgets that will open and close your doors remotely from your phone or just check to see if you forgot to close them.
Thermostats
Nest and Ecobee are known for their smart thermostats with remote sensors.
Smart Plugs
These are a low-cost option for connectivity with an app and works with other systems. Wemo is a popular choice.
