By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
UPPER CUMBERLAND – In this hot real estate market, many homeowners are looking for something to make their home stand out among the listings. A seller needs every advantage possible, and smart homes offer that extra pizazz to catch a buyer’s eye. But not only are smart homes eye catching and convenient, they are also a good investment that can save you time and money.
Eighty-one percent of buyers indicate that they’re more apt to buy a home if smart home products were already installed, according to a joint survey between CNET and Coldwell Banker.
Coldwell Banker and CNET gave smart homes the following definition: “Smart home: A home that is equipped with network-connected products (aka “smart products,” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.”
In one word – convenience.
“Convenience…I turn off my security system, and it opens my garage door, and unlocks my door, turns on my lights, turns on the heat/air,” shared James Green, sales manager for Twin Lakes Security. Twin Lakes is an expert in smart home technology and installation in the Upper Cumberland area.
“The Smart thermostat will also help control your heating and air cost,” said Green. “It’ll turn your thermostat down when you’re not home and up when you get home. It’ll learn your schedule as you come and go.”
That convenience translates into cost savings for the homeowner. According to a Nest study, using smart thermostats can save consumers an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling.
One of the most startling statistics about smart home technology is that one in four Americans already own at least one smart home product, according to the CNET and Coldwell Banker survey.
Below are some other important facts and statistics about smart home technology.
- Almost half (47%) of millennials have smart home products in their homes.
- 76% of the smart home products are being controlled by smartphones.
- 57% of Americans say that smart home technology products save them an average of 30 minutes per day.
- 45% of Americans say that smart home products save them money at an average of $98.30 per month.
- 91% of those who have smart home products would recommend to others.
Another benefit is an insurance discount for having a security system and security systems with fire alert. Individuals should check with their insurance carrier for the discount amount.
The benefits of a smart home aren’t just for people building a new construction.
“It’s easy to put in now,” explained Green. “You don’t have to go through the builder. You don’t have to have the whole house wired back to a home automation panel. It’s all done from the alarm. It’s all done via z-wave, wireless communication, so it’s much easier, and you don’t have to involve a builder. It can be done in an existing home, as well as a new home.”
To learn more about how a smart home could benefit you, visit www.twinlakes.net/smart-home/ or call 931-528-2005 to have Twin Lakes build a smart home system tailored to you.
