Should You Use Smart Technology?

This was originally posted on Coldwell Banker Elite.

Smart homes are not a new concept by any means, but the world of smart tech remains virtually unexplored for many homeowners. Your first association with smart tech may be virtual voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, but this only cracks the surface of what smart technology can do for your home.

In this article, we’ll explore some pros and cons of smart home technology and 4 of the most popular smart home upgrades that can increase your home’s value and enjoyability.

What are smart homes and smart technology?

Smart homes are homes that include appliances and devices that can be controlled wirelessly from your phone or computer. Smart devices wirelessly connect to the internet and make life easier by making processes—like lighting, heating/cooling, and appliance activating—automatic. While some people mistakenly think of smart homes as frivolous or a waste of money, smart appliances are often designed to save you money, time, or both. Keep reading to the end of this article for examples of stress-saving upgrades you can make.

Pros and Cons of Smart Homes

There are many, but here are the key pros and cons of smart home technology to consider before investing in it.

Pro: Convenience & Luxury

Smart homes are known for their ability to add convenience to people’s lives. Smart homes allow you the flexibility to keep tabs on your home no matter where you are. This means whether you’re on vacation or at work, you can control the settings of your home’s locks, lighting, sprinklers, temperature, and more.

A massive convenience of smart technology is that you can regulate your house’s functions on a timed schedule. For example, you can program your lighting to turn on and off at certain times every day without you having to touch anything.

Pro: Peace of mind

Another advantage of smart homes is enhanced security. Features such as smart locks with cameras allow you to keep tabs on any suspicious activity around your house. While this is great for deterring intruders, it’s also handy if you’re trying to let someone into your home without being present. Have a nanny or contractor trying to access your home? Provide access to your home by unlocking your doors no matter where you are! It’s also common for people on vacations to program their lighting and blinds to function like they would if they were home, so it gives the illusion that people are still home to potential intruders.

Con: Potential malfunctions

As with all tech, smart home technology isn’t perfect. Whether or not it will work best for you depends on a variety of factors, like your knowledge of the products and your internet connection. A reliable internet connection is crucial for the consistent, proper functioning of your products. Other potential cons include concerns about privacy and malpractice, especially when it comes to devices where personal data is concerned.

4 Upgrades to Consider

When it comes time to decide which smart home products to incorporate into your home, it is best to consider the ones that are most advantageous to your lifestyle. Here are four common smart home upgrades to consider:

1. Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a smart home upgrade that almost anyone can benefit from. Smart thermostats allow you to create customized heating and cooling schedules based on your schedule and will adapt to help save you the most money possible on your monthly energy bills. Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home no matter where you are, so you can comfortably adjust while on vacation or for your pets while you’re at home.

2. Smart Video Doorbell

Video doorbells are a great device to enhance your home’s safety, especially if you’re away from the home frequently. You can keep an eye on who approaches the door and attempts to enter the home. For frequent online shoppers, you can also keep an eye on packages delivered and left at the front door.

3. Smart Shades

Smart shades are not only cool but can also help you lower your monthly energy costs! You can program your smart shades to open and close depending on when you’ll be home and where the sun falls at a specific time of day. Some shades are even voice activated! This cool feature is enjoyable whether you’re in or outside of your home.

4. Smart Lighting 

Smart light bulbs are one of the cheapest and most versatile options of all smart home tech—if you don’t want smart lighting for the whole house, one bulb in a bedroom can still go a long way. Aside from being personalized for your schedule, many bulbs are capable of different lighting settings, from daylight and candlelight to mood lighting. For that person who has a tough time getting up in the morning, a bulb activated to turn on daylight mode at 7 a.m. every day can be a great (and relatively) investment!

Working with a Smart Home Agent

When it comes time to sell, be sure to work with an agent who knows smart tech. It can be a differentiating factor among similar homes in the same neighborhood. Depending on the devices installed in your home, you may need to make some disclosures to buyers walking through your property. It’s also important that the hand-off to the buyer is seamless, which means ensuring that the tech is ready for the new owners to use. Coldwell Banker Elite agents are trained to understand the nuances of selling a smart home.

There’s a whole world of potential with smart home tech. We hope this article gets you exploring options that can give your lifestyle and home value a boost!