Sellers: Does Your House Make the Smart Home Grade?

You've remodeled the bathrooms, upgraded the kitchen and put up a fresh coat of paint on every wall. Your landscape is lush, your garage door is brand new and your home's curb appeal is enough to catch the eye of any passerby. What more could a prospective buyer ask for when looking at South Bend homes for sale?

Although the traditional advice for home sellers preparing to list their property has always revolved around updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and exterior, today's real estate market is full of buyers who crave a contemporary upgrade that requires much more than new windows and doors.

Technology from Wall to Wall

Technology has been integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives, including our homes. Products small and large now come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. Appliances and devices are designed with complex computer systems that enable us to control these resources by voice, with a single touch, or even remotely from miles away. These innovations dramatically change the way we engage and interact with our homes.

Nearly every lifestyle features some form of technology integration, so it should come as no surprise that more and more people desire higher levels of technology integration in their immediate surroundings. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security:

• 81 percent of buyers prefer a home with smart technology.
• 47 percent of millennials already have smart tech integrated into their spaces.
• 45 percent of owners claim that smart technology has saved them over $1,000 in home costs each year.

Ways to Upgrade Your Home to a Smart Home

The verdict is in — smart homes are attracting homebuyers. Before you prepare your home for listing, take stock of the smart devices or appliances you already have integrated into the home. If you don't have any, now may be the best time to consider installing a few pieces of tech. Which smart products do potential homebuyers want in their next homes the most?

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors — 56 percent
• Lighting — 58 percent
• Locks or Alarms — 63 percent
• Thermostats or Fans — 63 percent

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can integrate these and other tech devices into your home. Capabilities range from simple streamlined functions to complex systems that work seamlessly together. Some smart appliances and devices for the home include:

• Washers/Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Ovens
• Lightbulbs
• Security
• HVAC
• Sound Systems
• Smoke Detectors
• Doorbells

Smart Sellers, Smart Homes

As technology advances and the millennial generation ages, it's become increasingly important for homeowners to take a moment to determine if their property makes the smart home grade. If it seems that your home could use an upgrade in a few key areas, you should try to include one or two new tech pieces. Research homes that have recently sold or are listed in your community and see which smart devices their homes include. Of course, our real estate agents are happy to give you the advice to help position your home for success. To learn more about selling smart homes in South Bend, contact us.