Planning to sell your home? Installing a security system or upgrading it by adding smart home features could give you the edge in a competitive real estate market.
Spring is traditionally the prime time to list and sell a home. Fresh paint, nice curb appeal and proper staging always helps a home stand out. But today’s home buyers – especially the tech-savvy millennial generation – want updated security and smart home features.
What Do Buyers Want?
Now in their 30’s and having children, millennials are the largest group of homebuyers today. In general, they are willing to pay more for a “smart home,” one with features controlled from any location using a cell phone or tablet.
Some highly sought-after features for today’s homes are smart lighting and programmable thermostats. Not only are these feature convenient, but they reduce energy use and consequently save money on utility bills. Keyless entry systems or smart locks that can be unlocked remotely are also popular, especially for parents who worry about their children losing their house keys.
Feeling secure at home is important to all home buyers, no matter what their age. Security cameras are usually among the features at the top of the “most wanted” list. Today’s homeowners want see what’s going on at home while they are away. From inexpensive doorbell cameras to a complete home network, there are camera systems for all budgets.
What today’s buyers want are smart home systems that not only alert you to a break-in, but to other dangerous situations, such as fire or carbon monoxide. Smart lighting systems on the exterior of a home are another safety feature that can add to your home’s value.
Smart Home Features Increase the Value of Your Home
According to Realtor.com, security and smart home features increase the value of a home by up to five percent. Home appraisers are also now considering security and smart home systems when evaluating a home. Prospective buyers should also note insurance companies often offer discounts for homes with security systems.
Smart home features don’t have to be pricey. Systems available through Delco Alarm Systems range from basic doorbell cameras to high-end fully integrated smart home systems.
Some of the easiest and least expensive devices to add are doorbell cameras, motion sensor lighting, smart thermostats and keyless locks. These simple additions can add value to a real estate listing and help it sell quicker.
Even comfort devices such as automated lighting, smart speaker systems and remote activated window shades are becoming easier to install and less expensive.
The Survey Says…
According to the Smart Home Marketplace Survey conducted by Coldwell Banker, 81 percent of buyers would be more willing to purchase a home if smart home features were installed. Also, 54 percent of homeowners would install smart home features if they knew it would result in a quicker sale.
When surveyors asked what smart products potential homebuyers prefer to be installed:
- 77 percent said smart thermostats
- 75 percent wanted smart fire detectors
- 70 percent wanted smart carbon monoxide detectors
- 66 percent said smart cameras
- 63 percent wanted smart locks
- 63 percent said a smart lighting system
A property with smart home devices will have a higher value and sell quicker than comparable similar without smart technology.
If you would like more information about adding smart features to your home contact the professionals at Delco Alarm Systems, 610-494-9100.