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What is a Smart Home?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeBuyer Brokerage

A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating and electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by phone or computer. 

 

Homes considered "smart" are equipped with network connected products to control and optimize the functioning of the home. Smart homes have hi speed wi-fi & the internet, a remotely controlled thermostat, security system and lighting. Smart homes would also include Energy star appliances. 

Do you want a smart home? 

Check out a few companies and learn what you can do to make your home a little smarter!

 

Belkin International   has three brands, Belkin, Linksys and WeMo. These brands provide home owners with the wireless technology to monitor, measure and manage all their home electronics remotely. For example:  for $50, you can buy the WeMo insight switch. The device plugs into your outlet and connects to Wi-Fi. Using your phone or computer, turn devices on or off from anywhere. The insight switch can control space heaters, tv's, lights and more. 

Nest  offers indoor and outdoor security cameras, thermostats and smoke and CO alarms. Click here to see what other devices pair with Nest products. The Yale Linus lock pairs with Nest. This lock can be opened and locked remotely using your phone or computer. The technology keeps track of who is coming and going into the house. You don't need a key when you have this system in place!

 SkyBell, Wink and Sage are just a few companies creating smart technology. This YouTube video from CNET shows many features of a smart home.

 

Smart home technology is changing the real estate industry, especially for home buyers. 

  • Smart home technology gives homeowners and home buyers ways to assess the energy efficiency of a home. 
  • Smart home technology gives homeowners peace of mind. For example, using your phone or computer, you can make sure you turned off your stove or oven. 
  • One drawback to smart technology is the new security options. As this technology advances, so does the technology hackers use to gain access to a home. 
  • Finally, smart home technology means there will be a higher demand for products that are efficient and practical. 

Many of our home buyers want homes with smart homes. They want to control the thermostat, lighting, security and overall energy use of a home. Smart home technology is a tool which can often save you time and money.

 

Resources

CNET Smart Home

Zillow-What are the Differences between Brokers and Agents? 

National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents

HomesBuyHendersons.com

Buyers Edge

Bureau of Consumer Protection

 

Posted by

Victoria Lynne Henderson

Real estate broker and business owner of HomeBuyer Brokerage serving buyers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Victoria was born in Washington D.C. and loves her hometown!

Learn more about exclusive buyer brokers & agents at HomeBuyer Brokerage

 

 

Certified Negotiation Expert

Serving home buyers in Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Comments (2)

Kartik Subramaniam
Adhi Schools, LLC - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Market Analysis--Educational Content, Adhi Schools

Definitely very cool technology. Some of these systems can even turn electrical outlets on/off. I think the benefits are clear, but you pointed out a real risk with hackers too. I'm not knowledgeable enough to suggest that the risk outweighs the benefits and it probably does not. But good to see the information out there. 

Jul 27, 2016 04:02 AM
Victoria Ray Henderson
HomeBuyer Brokerage - Washington, DC
Washington DC Real Estate

Hi Cody Carmen,

It's really cool stuff and our home buyers know all about it! We learn so much from people who are knowledgeable and up to speed with new technology. Fun stuff to know when you are in the real estate business! Thanks for stopping by and have a great week

Jul 27, 2016 04:10 AM