Residential Marketing Solutions

How Smart Technology Helps Keep Homes Safe and Cool

How Smart Technology Helps Keep Homes Safe and Cool

From the cell phones we use to connect with one another to the computers used to complete important tasks, technology plays an important role in most of our lives. While you’re probably familiar with smart phones and computers, homeowners have many more options when it comes to technology for their home.

By connecting home appliances, security systems, and other everyday devices to the internet, homeowners can activate and inactivate just about anything with the click of a button on their cell phone. This smart technology makes life more convenient, reduces energy bills, and increases the security of a home.

Years ago, smart home technology was out of reach for many people. In addition to the high cost of devices and deployment, smart technology was difficult to use. Fortunately, things have changed and smart technology has become more affordable and user-friendly in recent years. In fact, according to a new study by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), 69% of U.S. households now own at least one smart home device.

Keeping Homes Safe With Smart Technology

Smart technology allows devices to communicate their status throughout the day. This makes it possible for homeowners to take a proactive approach to a wide range of situations. Some of the more impressive smart home options include plugs with auto turn-off, water leak and monitoring devices, and connected security devices with live video feed capabilities.

Smart technology can help homeowners catch leaks faster, preventing mold and damage of property. Connecting security devices to the internet increases home security and helps prevent theft. Smart devices like motion detectors and security cameras can set off a chain of events. When triggered by a potential intruder, smart devices can activate alarms, security lights, and notify the homeowner and/or authorities immediately. These features might prove especially beneficial to rental property owners. Smart technology gives homeowners eyes on their property, regardless of their physical location in the world.

Another benefit of smart home technology, smart doorbells and smart locks alert homeowners when someone is at their front door. In addition to a cell phone alert, some of these smart devices even let homeowners view and communicate with visitors through their doorbell.

Smart Technology Keeps Homes Cool in the Summer

One of the most common smart technology devices, smart thermostats allow homeowners to control the temperature of their home or rental property from a smart phone or computer. During the summer, homeowners can turn on the air shortly before they return home. This ensures a cool and comfortable living space, while avoiding the high energy bills associated with leaving the air running when no one is home. For rental property owners, smart technology makes it possible for owners to set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature for tenants. This ensures an enjoyable experience for tenants while protecting the property owner from energy bill spikes.

Smart Technology Provides Numerous Benefits

Smart technology makes life more convenient, improves safety and security, and increases the value of a home. Many insurance companies even offer discounts to homeowners that implement smart features in their home. Homeowners and homebuyers are strongly encouraged to learn more about smart home technology.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

 

 

 

 

Smart Homes – Understanding Your Options

Smart Homes – Understanding Your Options

Technology is changing daily.  From cell phones, vacuums to watches, an increasing number of devices are connecting to the Internet. In our homes, “smart” devices are used to increase comfort and security while simplifying maintenance and control.

Homebuyers today have several options to consider when it comes to smart technology. While these options may seem confusing, their availability isn’t likely to change and more products will be added to increase smart technology.  In fact, current statistics show the smart home market will reach 40 billion USD in the U.S. by the year 2020.

Although the list of potential options continues to grow, there are a few things homebuyers should look for when shopping for a new home.

Smart Lighting

One of the older technologies, smart lighting systems have been shown to increase safety and security, improve mood, and save homeowners a significant amount of money on electric bills. Smart lighting systems are easy to use and provide instant benefits. A lighting control system is a direct retrofit, meaning no additional wiring is required.

Smart Thermostat

Heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s total energy costs. Smart thermostats make it possible for homeowners to control the temperature of their home from any device that connects to the Internet. Smart thermostats reduce energy costs and increase the overall comfort of the home.

Security Systems

Traditional security systems react to issues detected in and around the home. Smart security systems alert homeowners of potential problems before they occur, allowing issues to be addressed before they escalate. In addition to detecting possible intruders, a smart security system can send an alert directly to a smartphone or other device if children attempt to leave the home. This increases peace of mind and ensures the safety and security of people and property.

Considerations

While several options exist, these features are only as good as the network behind them. Home buyers should consider builders that install a commercial grade of wiring, such as CAT6 or CAT7 or fiber optic cables.  Many older homes only have consumer grade cable or insufficient wiring to convert to a smart home.  These are questions that should be asked before purchasing a home.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers. Please contact us for more information about our services.