8 Best Smart Home Upgrades To Increase Home Value

What is Smart Home Technology?

Smart home technology refers to electronic devices that have smart capabilities including networking, communication, interactivity, and in some cases, AI and machine learning integrations. Smart home technology is a set of these devices that are designed specifically for home automation. Common smart home devices include smart versions of thermostats, appliances, security systems, lighting, entertainment and sound systems, and more. Typically, these devices have the ability to connect to wifi and you can often control them from your smartphone.

According to CNET, to be considered a “smart home,” your home must have at least two of the following features (Master Appraisal Services):

• Smart appliances

• Smart TV

• Smart HVAC system, fans, or vents

• Smart outdoor plant sensors and watering systems

• Smart fire/carbon monoxide detectors

• Smart security locks, alarm systems, or cameras

• Smart thermostats

Is smart home tech safe?

Since many smart home gadgets are connect to the internet via WiFi, some homeowners have had doubts about the safety and security of the technology. Some top concerns include bugs, hackers, and privacy violations—but don’t worry. Smart home technology has advanced rapidly, and there are several ways to keep your information safe even when your entire home is online.

Start by keeping your device software updated. Software updates often include added and updated security measures against the newest threats—so if there’s an option to automatically update your device’s software, opt in.

Next, be strict with your passwords. It’s good practice to only buy devices that allow you to change the default device name and username and update the password regularly. Your password should be unique to that device only and complex enough that it’s hard to guess. You should also opt for multi-factor authentication when your device allows it.

Also—smart home or not—investing in a good router with a solid firewall will help prevent attacks on any device connected to your network. As an added security measure, consider keeping your smart devices on a secondary wifi network, sometimes called a guest network. On the off chance that one of your smart devices is infected, this will prevent the infection from spreading to your laptop, phone, and other devices that contain more private info.

Does smart home technology increase home value?

Absolutely, smart home technology can significantly increase your home's value. Think of it as adding a touch of futuristic magic that buyers crave. From smart security systems to energy-efficient thermostats that save money, these upgrades not only enhance convenience but also make your home stand out in a competitive market with prospective buyers. According to experts, homes equipped with smart tech like video surveillance, smart security, smart lighting, thermostats, and solar panels can fetch higher home sale prices. Appraisers now consider these features, instantly boosting your home's appraisal value. So, embrace the smart revolution – it's not just an upgrade, it's a value-boosting investment in your home's future.

How will smart home technology increase my home value?

Recently, the Forbes Real Estate Council singled out smart home products as “one of the most desirable qualities in a home on the market.” Buyers want it, and in many cases, they’re willing to pay extra.

Smart homes stand out among the competition in any market, their convenience and modernity selling them faster and at higher prices than their non-smart counterparts. But the added value isn’t just for when you’re negotiating with a buyer. Smart home tech from reputable smart home brands is actually factored into home appraisals and comparative market analyses these days, so you’ll see the value bump right away (even before you list!).

Here are some of the best smart tech upgrades you can make for your own enjoyment and for a higher price when you sell.

#1: Smart Security Systems With Video Doorbells

Smart security systems with video doorbells are the pinnacle of modern protection for your home, seamlessly integrating various smart devices into a comprehensive, interconnected setup. Smart door locks enhance security by eliminating the need for physical keys, while advanced video doorbells provide real-time alerts and video calls when visitors approach. Instant motion notifications from smart cameras and the ability to arm, disarm, and monitor alarms remotely via your smartphone offer unparalleled flexibility and control, empowering you even when you're away.

#2: Smart Locks

Smart locks are innovative security devices that offer homeowners the convenience of keyless entry and remote access control. By connecting to a smartphone app via Wi-Fi, homeowners can lock or unlock their doors from anywhere, grant temporary access to guests, and receive notifications of any door activity.

These modern locks not only enhance security but also increase a home's appeal by showcasing its advanced technology and providing potential buyers with the assurance of improved safety and seamless control, ultimately boosting the home's overall value on the market.

#3: Smart appliances

Smart appliances work the same way as other smart devices in that you can usuall control them from your phone. For example, if you have a smart oven, you can turn it on and off and monitor and change the temperature, even if you aren’t home. No more wishing there was someone at home to turn the oven on for you, and no reason to worry about whether or not you left it on when you’ve already left the house

Similarly, smart washers and dryers let you start them remotely as well as monitor the progress of the cycle. Smart refrigerators can provide recipes and ingredient lists as well as integrating with grocery delivery apps on your phone, while smart dishwashers allow you to start, stop, and change the cycle remotely. You can also access maintenance advice to most smart appliances on your phone, which makes repair easier.

A smart plug can act as a convenient intermediary, enabling your traditional appliances to join the realm of smart technology by allowing remote control and automation through your smartphone or voice commands.

#4: Smart thermostats

A programmable smart thermostat lets you set temperature controls based on your daily routine, weather conditions, and more. Operate them through your smartphone, adjusting home temperature remotely, and many can even sync with your phone's location feature for automatic changes. For instance, if your thermostat detects you've left home, it can ease up on the AC, lowering energy bills. Smart thermostats can also be programmed for specific temperature schedules and many maintain a steady indoor temperature range, saving money and conserving energy.

With apps like Google Nest Hub, you take the reins of your programmable thermostat. You can fine-tune temperatures, establish schedules, and manage compatible devices through voice commands or a tap on your phone. This elevates home comfort and highlights modern tech to potential buyers, enhancing allure and potentially boosting your property's value. Additionally, when paired with a smart air purifier, it contributes to indoor air quality, making your home even more appealing.

#5: Smart Speakers

Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest Audio, Sonos, and Apple Homepod are indispensable additions to your smart home upgrades, seamlessly integrating into your chosen smart home platform.

With voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that are akin to virtual assistants, you'll be empowered with a range of new capabilities, from controlling other smart devices to answering queries.

New smart audio systems have great built-in speakers that offer impressive audio quality while also serving as a central hub for your other smart home hub functionalities. Plus, you can manage them conveniently via a mobile app, making them an essential element in your array of smart home enhancements.

#6: Smart detectors

You should already have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, but did you know that smart versions can keep you, your house, and your household members even safer? Like their traditional counterparts, smart detectors make a loud noise when they detect a problem (like smoke or carbon monoxide), but they also offer a second layer of protection by sending alerts directly to your phone when you aren’t home. Smart detectors can also tell you where in your home the alert is coming from, and they’ll let you know if any unit is having a malfunction or needs a new battery.

#7: Smart Light Bulbs & Smart Lighting

Smart lighting provides s through light bulbs that connect to your WiFi, enabling operation via your phone, a smart assistant, or automated programming. These innovative systems can include motion detection, app control, color changes, and dimming features. Voice control adds another layer of convenience to smart lighting systems, removing the need to locate traditional switches. There are plenty of options for smart bulbs, but Phillips stands out as an excellent option for indoor and outdoor lights, seamlessly enhancing your ambient lighting experience with high quality, dynamic lighting that's fun to use.

#8: Smart irrigation

Smart irrigation technology reduces water waste and improves plant health and soil quality. This tech also makes your life easier by reducing the amount of work you have to put into your landscaping. Some smart irrigation technology uses soil moisture data to adjust your watering schedule each day. Others gather local weather data to do the same. Most smart irrigation systems can be accessed and controlled remotely, and all of them can be programmed to run with minimal input from you.

These smart technologies can add thousands to your home’s value, and they’ll also improve your quality of life while you live there. Not convinced? Pick the one or two that sound the most interesting to you, and go from there!