It is getting harder and harder to find homes without any installed smart devices. New homes are being built with smart technology from the ground up. As for existing homes, they are being sold with devices already installed by current homeowners. Everything from smart thermostats to smart locks is in play.
Millennials Want Smart Homes
The first thing to understand is that millennials want smart homes. And because they make up the bulk of home buyers at this point, smart devices are being installed in more properties every year. The market has to respond when 79% of all millennial buyers say they are interested in smart devices. Millennial buyers want:
- self-adjusting thermostats
- smart door locks
- self-adjusting lights
- video surveillance cameras.
Are you a home buyer looking for a property with installed smart devices? If so, the remainder of this post offers helpful tips that you might find useful.
Look for Devices You Will Use
At the top of the list is looking for innovative devices you will use. According to Vivint Smart Home, there are a few essential devices applicable to every smart home scenario:
- Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat offers three things: automation, remote access, and the ability to learn your routine and self-adjust.
- Smart Locks – A smart lock is an electronic door lock that offers keyless entry and remote access.
- Smart Lighting – Smart lighting can be programmed according to your schedule. It can also be operated with a smart speaker and accessed remotely with a mobile app.
These are the three entry-level devices most home buyers should focus on. They are the ones most likely to be used. The point is that by investing in smart devices, you will not use waste money.
Consider Home Security
Years ago, home automation and home security were considered separate disciplines. That is not the case these days. Companies like Vivint Smart Home integrate automation and security across the board. As a homebuyer, this suggests that you consider alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and smart smoke alarms in your search for a new home.
Consider Product Integration
Purchasing a home with smart devices already installed can lead to challenges if you plan to add new devices later on. To that end, product integration is an important thing. Will the already installed devices fully integrate with whatever you install later on? Do not just assume they will.
Here is an example: Vivint packages integrate with several devices, including Nest thermostats, Ring video doorbells, and smart speakers from Google and Amazon. So if the homes you are looking at a feature
from any of these brands, it is a safe bet that future investment in a Vivint system would not be a problem. But investing in a system from another brand might be.
Think About Remote Access
One of the things that makes a smart home truly smart is remote access. In other words, you should be able to control your smart thermostat and light even when you are not at home. Planning for this during the home shopping process dictates writing down installed devices and their manufacturers, then doing your research to find out if the devices offer remote access.
It might seem like a lot of work to consider all of these things when shopping for a home but doing so is worth it. Finding a home with installed smart devices gives you a leg up on creating the smart home you have always dreamed of.
