All homeowners know that a practical approach is necessary when considering a home purchase. Aside from the geographical aspects like location, school zones, and commute times, the features inside the home can make or break a potential sale. Integrating the latest technologies into your house can dramatically increase the value and desirability of your home. Consider upgrading your property with a few of these smart technologies to help you sell your home.
1. Smart Appliances
New appliances are a home buyer's dream. Smart appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, and even faucets can be installed in the home. They can even be operated and monitored remotely.
2. Smart Thermostats
These next-level programmable thermostats adjust your home's temperature based on activity in the house. They can also be adjusted from mobile devices which allows you to change the temperature settings while you're away.
3. Video Doorbells
Video doorbell technology has become a popular addition to homes of all sizes. Many of these devices allow you to communicate with those who are at your front door. They even save video files to a cloud backup so that you can track package deliveries and monitor those who come and go from your home.
4. Smart Locks
Never worry about being locked out of the house with smart locks that open via keypad codes. These smart locks can be programmed with different codes so that you can provide special access to people like visiting guests or service professionals.
5. Smart Home Security
You need protection in all areas of your home. While smart locks can cover your doors, a smart security system can provide you with full home coverage. Motion sensors and security cameras can be installed in and around the home with video feeds and updates sent directly to your mobile device.
6. Smart Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are necessities for your home, especially those that can also alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide. Smart smoke detectors will alert you to whichever room triggers the alarm. These devices can call for emergency service assistance or be silenced from your mobile device in cases of a false alarm.
7. Smart Lighting/Lightbulbs
Light has a powerful impact on our bodies. Smart lighting can be programmed to adjust to our biological needs, dimming and increasing when we need it throughout the day and night. Smart LED lightbulbs use substantially less energy than household fluorescent lighting and can lower energy bills.
8. Smart Sprinklers
A home sprinkler system is a great resource to keep your lawn and landscaping looking fantastic. Smart sprinkler systems can be automatically programmed and adjusted at will to help you reduce your water usage throughout each season.
9. Smart Control/Speakers
Total home control is becoming a necessity. With today's technology, we can control most systems within our home with nothing more than the sound of our voice. Many of the latest smart speaker devices can be integrated into your other home systems. Your security, HVAC systems, appliances, sprinkler systems, and more can be effortlessly controlled from the couch or conveniently controlled anywhere from a mobile device.
Find Your Circuit Breaker and Water Shut-off Valve
As a new homeowner, it's essential to prepare for emergencies, so that you can respond quickly. Learn where your water shut-off valve is so that you can cut water quickly if a pipe bursts and find your circuit breaker so that you can control the electricity in your home. That way, if there's an emergency or you need to work on one of those systems, you'll always know where to go.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Does your new home have central heating and air conditioning? Then, you'll want to stay on top of HVAC maintenance. Change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer's instructions and have an HVAC pro visit twice per year to check that your system is in good working order.
Know When to Call a Contractor
While there is a ton you can handle DIY around the house, some jobs require specialized tools and expertise. Find a contractor you trust or ask for referrals from trusted sources and rely on the pros whenever you need an experienced hand.
Smart technology is quickly moving into every home on the market. Before upgrading your space with any of these amazing devices, be sure to speak with your real estate agent to identify which systems could give you the most return on investment and help you sell your home faster. <
Richie Vraux is a Realtor/ Broker with: Better Homes and Gardens-The Masiello Group 76 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062. You can contact Richie at 207-317-1297 or by email at richardjvraux@gmail.com