It is January and at Coastal Point Properties, we thought the best way of ringing in the new year would be a rundown on the “house of the future.” We have rounded up the top smart house technology and examined it based on how it might impact selling or buying a home.
One of the biggest questions people ask about upgrading their homes with smart house technology is “How will this affect resale value?” While there is never a linear answer to the question of resale value, there are estimates about which smart home technology products are the most impressive to buyers, as well as the most useful to homeowners. There is also definite evidence of products that are not viewed as worthwhile investments in terms of real estate upgrades.
Smart Thermostats
What it Does
Smart thermostats have come a long way in a short amount of time. These products learn your heating and cooling habits and self-program for comfort and energy efficiency. Since they were debuted, many have evolved to work as a central hub for other smart home technology. The Nest, probably the most recognizable name in smart thermostats, retails for about $250.00 and offers a wide range of integration possibilities.
Best Of: Nest
Nest works with the most variety of other smart home technology, is easy to install and use, and looks great on the wall. The machine learning system adapts to user habits after just one week of use and Nest works with many other devices, from voice activation home speakers to smart smoke detectors and more.
The Bottom Line
Installing a smart thermostat will allow you to do two big things for resale. First, your HVAC system should run more efficiently. Secondly, Nest, or other smart thermostats, output monthly usage reports; data like this can help buyers make final decisions about whether they can afford to live in a home or not. All too often, buyers don’t have hard evidence about the heating and cooling costs in a new home until they have to foot the bill. Having the information upfront has put a smile on every buyer’s face we’ve had the pleasure of presenting this type of data to.
Smart Appliances
What They Do
Smart appliances are wifi and Bluetooth enabled products, like refrigerators, stoves, and laundry machines. Each of these offers a set of functionality specific to their product type, and many integrate with other smart home technology products. The main functionality that makes these appliances “smart” is the ability to remotely control or check in on them with your phone.
Fridge Best Of: Samsung Smart Hub
This fridge would have been great without being a smart device: it is well designed, spacious, and durable. Add the LCD screen that is capable of tracking diets, leaving notes, and communicating lists with your phone… you’ve got a seriously smart fridge. That is not the end of it though- the Samsung Smart Hub takes photos of the food in your fridge and catalogs it for you, so that you know how much milk you have at home, and whether you need to swing by the store on your way home. Additionally, this fridge alerts users about food expiration as well.
Stove Best Of: LG 7.3 cubic foot Smart Double Oven and Electric Range
Smart stoves are basically stoves that can be controlled by your phone. That doesn’t seem that useful, usually. However, the best models, like the LG Double Oven and Range, integrate with recipe apps to automatically adjust cooking times based on recipes and turn themselves off when the recipe is finished. While these options are arguably nice to have, they are the least attractive smart home technology on the list. Usually, when we are cooking, we are right next to the stove, and very few of us leave the house with the stove or oven running.
Laundry Best Of: Samsung HE Front Loaders
Samsung makes great appliances. Their range of Smart High-Efficiency front loading machines is no exception. Clothes get clean, with 14 wash cycles to choose from, and 14 drying cycles. The smart app allows users to create even more specific washing and drying cycles, and to start a pre-loaded machine while on the go. Clothes won’t get musty due to smart steam technology, that tumbles clothes every few minutes to keep them from getting stale.
The Bottom Line
Smart appliances are largely viewed as gimmicky by the buying population. Even smart appliance manufacturers have been disappointed by the buzz generated by equipping the sandwich drawer with Bluetooth. In the end, these features are nice to have, but they don’t make much of a difference for buyers, either as they purchase appliances in store, or when they purchase a home fully applianced.
Smart Locks and Door Openers
How it Works
Smart locks use a proximity detection method linked through your phone. Additionally, some smart locks allow Guest Users for one-time access, in case you need a neighbor or friend to let Fido out in a pinch. Smart locks and door openers are the pinnacle of convenience. Never worry about pulling your house keys out again.
Best Of: August Smart Lock
The August Smart Lock integrates with Apple, Nest, and Android. It looks beautiful and is convenient and easy to use. The only downside is that installation can be a little bit tricky. The August Smart Lock retails around $200, but is currently on sale for less.
The Bottom Line
Smart locks are absolutely a good buy for homeowners. Changing out old school locks for more secure, high tech locks is a smart move, whether you plan to stay in your home or are looking to sell it. At a reasonable $100-$ 300, this is an upgrade that is worthwhile.
Smart Light Bulbs and Plugs
What They Do
Smart light bulbs, switches, and plugs allow users to program and control when and how things turn on in their house. Light bulbs and switches both allow users to control the lights via their phones and voices, however, they have slightly different functionalities. Smart plugs allow users to control whatever is plugged into that outlet via their phones. All of these smart home technologies allow users to program their houses on timers, and to control things remotely.
Best Of: Philips Hue
Philips Hue offers the most features in a smart bulb, however, they can get costly, at $15 a bulb. Users will enjoy mood lighting, color changing lights, voice activation and complete control over exactly which bulb does what.
Smart switches and plugs all seem to offer similar advantages to each other. They control whichever devices are actively wired to the smart tech. Often users have no choice but to buy the one that most closely integrates with their home’s current wiring.
The Bottom Line
The worthwhileness of upgrading to smart lighting and plugs is debatable for those looking to sell a home. The upgrade can be expensive, and it is unlikely that the return on investment will be acceptable. The upgrade may pique the interest of a lukewarm buyer, but it will not close the deal. For homeowners looking to upgrade their current living arrangements, it all comes down to preference. Smart lighting can indeed help users run a more efficient home, and offer convenience with simple features like voice commands and motion detection.
Smart Doorbell
What it Does
Smart doorbells allow you to see who is ringing your doorbell from your phone. They are equipped with motion sensors, video recording features, and in some cases are able to integrate with other smart home technology products.
Best Of: SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
This model offers Nest compatibility, on-demand video, motion sensing, snapshots of visitors, and does not require a battery. It also looks the least obtrusive and the most like a normal doorbell. The only downsides are that it can be a little complicated to install and it is on the pricier end, around $240.00.
The Bottom Line
Smart doorbells fall right in line with smart locks. They range in price from $80 to $250 and offer a more secure front door. While we don’t recommend that you go out of your way to get one of these, if your current doorbell is in need of replacement then you may as well spring for a smart one!
Smart Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detectors
What They Do
We have all been there… the breakfast meat is smoking and the detector is losing its mind. We can’t reach that tiny little button to tell the detector everything is fine… and our heads hurt! No more, with smart detectors. Not only can you tell that pesky little device that all is well from your phone, but the detector will also ping you if it senses a problem while you are away, as well as offer some clear advantages over traditional detectors. Additionally, many are Nest compatible, turning your whole home into one integrated fortress of safety and comfort.
Best Of: Nest Protect
The Nest Protect was one of the first smart detectors on the scene. It features an easy to use app, obvious integration with the Nest thermostat, voice control, color-coded light alerts, and outstanding reliability.
The Bottom Line
It is required by law that all homes sold in the state of MA have working smoke and CO detectors, and for houses built after a certain date, those detectors must be hardwired. Smart detectors are quite a lot more expensive than traditional ones, so for a large home, the return on investment won’t be there. For a smaller home with only four or fewer detectors, smart detectors are a smart choice, though.
When we consider more than monetary gain, however, smart smoke and CO detectors are a good buy for any homeowner. They offer ease of mind when users are away from home, have clear warning indicators, and can even integrate with other smart devices to make lights flash or HVAC systems shut off during an emergency.
Smart Security Systems
What They Do
Possibly the coup de gras of smart home technology, the smart security system makes it as though you’ve never left home. You will know if there is someone at your home, if there is a problem in your home, or be able to check in on the babysitter from anywhere. Most systems offer integration with cameras, motion sensors, door and window sensors and other smart home technology like Nest and smart smoke detectors.
Best Of: Vivint Smart Home
The Vivint Smart Home security system has it all. Smart locks, cameras, smart doorbells, burglar detection, and smart thermostat all in one package! The startup cost is $550 for equipment and requires a monthly contract. Contract prices vary depending on what options you want. The Vivint Smart Home takes all the guesswork out of piece-meal smart home upgrades and offers users the complete package, plus 24/7 security monitoring.
The Bottom Line
Security systems are always a great selling point, no matter the neighborhood. People want to know that they are safe. Vivint is a great option for homeowners or those looking to sell in the near future because the equipment and the contract stay together. The smart home contract is transferable to new owners who sign a new agreement for free, or for a $99 fee if the new owner simply wants to finish out the existing term.
The Verdict
Overall, we found that the best smart home technology products for homeowners and those looking to sell a home are smart thermostats, smart smoke detectors, and smart locks. Everything else falls under the “nice to have” category. The smart thermostat increases efficiency and allows for ample expansion into other smart home technologies. The smart smoke detectors are simply a great way to protect a home from fire and CO hazards. Smart locks are a convenient and cost-effective means of securing a home. Beyond those top three smart home devices, everything else is good, but not necessary. For those looking into a full security system, Vivint Smart Home is a clear winner, offering the top three plus a few more smart features, as well as a full home security package.
Are you looking to sell an already upgraded smart home? We’d love to offer you a complimentary market analysis of your home! At Coastal Point Properties, we know that a house is more than just a building. It is the time, energy, and money that people put into a place that makes a house a home. We respect that for all of our clients. Check back next month for more homeowner’s tips and real estate related advice!
