According to a survey by Coldwell Banker and CNET Smart Home, 81 percent of those surveyed said they were more likely to buy a smart home if the smart technology was already installed. Meanwhile, another 72 percent said smart home products provide them with peace of mind when it comes to home security. Smart home technology isn’t the wave of the future, it’s already here. Gartner research says a typical family home could contain more than 500 smart devices by 2022.
Realtors and homeowners looking to sell can embrace the rising trend to attract more offers. But cost can be a factor. The most expensive smart home in the world is thought to be a $56 million New Jersey residence, in which everything is controlled from a smartphone including the heated driveway. Fortunately you don’t need to spend millions to transform your home into a smart home. Instead, focus on some key technology and gadgets to stage your smart home on a budget and attract the buyers you want. Here’s how to get started.
Install Security Cameras
If you do nothing else for your smart home staging, install security cameras. Home buyers want them whether they’re looking for a smart home or just a safe home. Lorex security cameras are inexpensive and easy to install whether outside or indoors. These weatherproof cameras are custom built and come in multi-pack options. Check out the Lorex Wireless camera systems to keep wires from being visible to home buyers who are looking for modern technology and clean upgrades. And because you can monitor them yourself, the cameras give real estate agents and homeowners peace of mind when the property is empty or being shown.
Illuminate on a Budget
Set the ambiance with a GE Link light bulb and connect to your mobile device. Grab your smartphone and adjust the light depending on the time of day or mood you want to set for an open house. Setup is simple and takes minutes to sync up with the Wink app. For an added style boost, try the Philips Hue smart light bulb that can even match the color of a sunset from a photo and lets you shape the light by casting colors up to a specific distance across the room.
Get Hooked up
The up and coming Hook gadget gets your home and phone talking to each other without needing to invest in costly appliances and products. The device connects remote-controlled outlet adapters and bulb sockets right to the Internet. Your home is now staged as a smart home where existing appliances, fans and anything else powered by electricity can be controlled from your phone. This little device can revolutionize a house into a fully automated smart home and give the appearance of having thousands of dollars in upgrades.
Start Nesting
Nest thermostat transforms the concept of heating and cooling your home into a climate-controlled refuge. Homeowners can install it themselves and watch as Nest learns their habits and automatically adapts whether the user changes up his or her routine or the seasons change. Set the climate of the bedroom to a different temperature and feel than the kitchen or family room. Creating a simple climate-controlled layout for your house can show potential home buyers how it can adjust to their individual needs.
