As much as we want to think that we aren't beholden to our smartphones, the reality is that we'd be lost without them. Our lives are a little more comfortable and even easier because technology has touched almost (if not all) aspects of our lives. Can you picture your life without it? We know we can't!
Since technology is a huge part of our everyday lives, it's not that strange that smart devices are becoming more prominent in our homes. And while it may seem like a luxury now, we won't be surprised if they become a normal feature in all homes.
Today, we're going to share what smart devices will help bring your home into the 21st century. If you incorporate some of these features in your home, you may be able to factor that in when setting your listing price when you want to sell, even though 97% of real estate agents report it being a hot seller's market in their area - according to HomeLight's Q1 survey for 2021.
1. Smart thermostats
A home with a smart thermostat is likely to save a decent amount of money on heating and cooling. They can save homeowners money because they have the technology to auto-adjust the temperature according to your adjustment habits. Why, you can even set up some thermostats to your smartphone so you can control the temperature even while you're not home.
2. Smart light bulbs
When you sell your house, you aren't going to take the light bulbs with you. You're going to leave them for the new homeowner, which will be a pleasant surprise! Smart light bulbs have a bunch of benefits, such as saving money, controlled by an app or by voice, changing colors, and some can even act as bluetooth speakers! How's that for multifunction?
3. Smart locks
The locks on your door are pretty basic right? You have the lock on the doorknob and some doors will even have a deadlock. Your home is pretty secure with just these locks, but when you use a smart lock, you're giving yourself the peace of mind in knowing that you can lock (or unlock) the door from your smartphone. Other perks of using a smart lock include letting your friends and family in your house without needing a key. You can even use these locks on other types of doors like an office door, the door to a liquor cabinet, or a closet full of Christmas gifts you don't want the kids to see!
4. Video doorbells
You can add another layer of security to your home by installing a video doorbell like Google Nest or Ring. You can see (and record) who's at the door, you can talk to the visitor, and you can even increase the value of your home, which will certainly appeal to buyers. Why, your home insurance may even lower your rates!
5. Smart plugs
The plugs in your home may not be something you really think about when it comes to doing upgrades, but you'd be surprised how helpful they can be. Anything you plug into the smart plug can be controlled by, you guessed it, your smartphone. You can also use voice commands if you use Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
The beauty of smart plugs is that you never have to worry about forgetting to turn off the curling iron or the coffee pot. You can turn the lights on before getting home or you can even set them on a timer so they come on automatically.
The 21st century is all about convenience and the technology that's available certainly makes our lives more convenient! Yes, it's true that these smart devices are an investment, but they more than pay for themselves in terms of giving you some peace of mind in knowing your house is safe and life is a little simpler - as long as your smartphone is charged!
