It started with smartphones. Now watches, cars, and, yes Realtors, even houses can be wired for smart technology. The following is a bird’s eye view of all of the features you’re either being asked about currently, or will be asked about in the future.
Locks, lights, appliances
Devices with smart technology allow home owners to control several household appliances and amenities, from locks to lights to window blinds, all through a single device. Smart devices are convenient and also help make homes more efficient, saving home owners money on utilities.
For example, smart thermostats can often be controlled remotely, and the smartest actual memorize your habits and routines to automatically adjust the house’s temperature for your comfort. If you find yourself turning on the AC each night before hitting the sheets, a smart thermostat will quickly learn to do it for you. Many thermostats come with motion sensors, so the thermostat adjusts depending on whether or not you are home.
Power, security, sprinklers
Home owners can also manage power use by using smart power strips, lighting, timers and monitors, and appliances that can be controlled remotely. Smart power systems provide feedback about power use, showing how to optimize efficiency.
Smart devices are available to run home security systems, including alarm systems and cameras that live stream to your smartphone, so you can keep an eye on the house while you are away.
You can even install a smart garden irrigation system that responds to weather conditions and waters your garden even when you aren’t home, saving you time and money.
Combining functions
Many smart devices combine functions, controlling your thermostat, your appliances, and your security system all at once. Complex smart home systems often run through a central hub that uses the wireless spectrum to network each appliance with your handheld device. Homey comes recommended as a particularly cute and useful hub that responds to voice commands.
The smart home device market is embryonic, but growing quickly. Your more tech-savvy clientele may want to know if the properties you are showing already have, or could become equipped with the smart home devices.
Ellen Vessels, a Staff Writer at The American Genius, is respected for their wide range of work, with a focus on generational marketing and business trends. Ellen is also a performance artist when not writing, and has a passion for sustainability, social justice, and the arts.
