According to estimates, at least one smart home application is currently in use in 41.3 million U.S. households – by 2024 this number is expected to increase to 61.5 million. Devices from the category “Control and Connectivity” are the most common – these include smart speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Home, etc.). In second place is “Home Entertainment” – which includes streaming devices (e.g. Amazon Fire TV stick, Google Chromecast) and multi-room entertainment systems – followed by “Energy Management” devices like thermostats or radiator controls.
Smart-Homes: Features Buyers Actually Want
According to Coldwell Banker’s most recent smart-home survey, most potential homebuyers want smart-homes featuring technological features in the homes that they are buying. Here is a breakout of what technology they prefer:
- 77 want smart thermostats
- 75 percent want smoke detectors
- 66 percent want smart home security cameras
- 63% want smart locks
The good news for sellers? You can handle many of these upgrades yourself over the course of a weekend without spending a lot. The relatively small investment may speed up the sale of your home or help you snag the asking price.
Choosing the best smart home devices is different for every shopper. Most of the decision comes down which smart home platform you prefer – you’ll want to buy devices that are compatible with your voice assistant so you can create routines or control your gadgets hands-free.
You have three main choices: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant/Home, and Apple HomeKit/Siri. Alexa generally comes out on top, as it works with the smartest home devices, and has the most third-party skills. However, Google Assistant can do some things that Alexa can’t—such as control Chromecast TVs—and it’s rapidly being built into a number of third-party devices in conjunction with its Works With Nest program.
Lighting
From light bulbs and plugs to light switches and wall panels, smart lights are a popular smart home entry point. And, with lots of new options on the market — including smart LEDs that don’t cost a whole lot. You might be tempted to fill your whole house with the things.
The first thing you need to do is pick a platform. Most options have their own control app that can schedule, group lights together, change color, and turn on and off at certain times.
Paring smart lights with a voice home assistant are the easiest way to do this. Top choices are Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa.
Security
Smart home security has come a long way in a short amount of time. Features like infrared detectors, automatic sirens, HD recording, window sensors, and connectivity with Google and Alexa, home security systems are evolving and becoming more advanced.
Temperature- Smart Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of energy, heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home utility bills. Smart thermostats enable homeowners to control their HVAC systems remotely via a smartphone or a user-friendly screen. They can provide and track information on consumption as they track usage. The latest smart thermostats have even more features than their older counterparts, so there’s more to consider when setting one up. For instance, installation involves extra power requirements and establishing wireless communication with other smart devices.
Probably one of the biggest features of newer models is learned preferences, where the thermostat adjusts the temperature automatically based on occupancy. A smart thermostat can save as much as 25% on utility bills.
Other categories to consider when looking for features for smart-homes include smart appliances, smoke detectors, entertainment.
If you are in the market for buying or selling a home, Vinny Steo is your best choice in Bel Air, Maryland to help you. Call us at 410-220-0016 or fill out the form below.
