Getting Smart with Smart Homes

 As we enter the new decade smart technology is only becoming more advanced and prevalent.  Speakers can accomplish a variety of tasks with just a simple voice command.  Doorbells can be answered when you are away from home.  Thermostats can determine how to save on heating costs.  These are just a few of the benefits of smart technology, all of which are revolutionizing the modern home.  Not only can smart technology increase convenience of a plethora of tasks, but also can reduce home ownership costs through increased efficiency.  Even better, smart technology can increase home value through forward-thinking design.  Smart technology continues to expand and improve, and will increasingly shape the design of homes.

    Smart utility systems can lead to great savings and comfortable living for homeowners.  Thermostats built with smart technology allow you to regulate your house’s heat from a smartphone, and often have features to optimize your home’s heat usage which lowers costs.  Lightbulbs and plugs using smart technology can be set on a schedule, ensuring your lights are off while you are sleeping, lowering energy costs and saving you time.  Other smart devices, like kitchen equipment and laundry machines, offer the convenience of being controllable anywhere at any time.  These improved utilities save your limited time and can lower your cost of living.

Save electricity costs with a smart light switch.

    Ensuring your home’s security is an important part of being a homeowner.  Smart technology can protect you and your possessions, allowing you to watch your home while you are away.  Doorbells which use smart technology offer recordings, live video, and intercom features which allow you to view and answer your door without being physically present.  This can protect you from opening your door to strangers and unwelcome visitors.  Additionally, in a time when package thievery is on the rise, smart doorbells act as a deterrent because they capture video footage of package thieves, assisting in their arrest.  Smart security cameras allow you to monitor any part of your home, which can be especially helpful if you own a large piece of property.  Utilizing smart security devices improves your safety and deters criminals from targeting your home.

    Entertainment options have been massively expanded by the increase in smart technology.  Many smart entertainment devices can be linked together, offering new options like viewing your mobile phone screen on a television.  Smart televisions have become full entertainment hubs, offering apps for most popular streaming services as well as internet browsing and other features absent on older televisions.  Streaming devices allow you to use older televisions like smart televisions through an HDMI port and an internet connection.  Speakers utilizing smart technology can be controlled using voice commands, offering a wide variety of functions like playing music from a variety of popular music streaming services, searching the internet, and assisting with personal management.  The growth of bluetooth technology has massively improved the functionality of smart devices, increasing connectivity between different devices.  Networks of smart devices can be created through bluetooth and internet connectivity.

There's lots to watch on a smart media device.

    Properties prepared for smart home technology can earn higher prices when sold.  Ensuring your property is smart technology-ready should be a priority when preparing to sell.  Basic aspects like having enough electrical outlets can have a major effect on a home’s readiness for smart technology.  Determining a safe and efficient path for internet connectivity is another important aspect.  Whether using ethernet cables or Wi-Fi repeaters, all areas of your property should have access to a strong internet connection for smart devices.  Powerline ethernet is also an option if your house’s electrical wiring is in good condition.  Older technologies, like manual light switches, can limit your house’s ability to become a smart home.  Replacing manual light switches with smart light switches, controllable through your smartphone, is a good first step in turning your home into a smart home.  Consumer interest in smart homes is growing, and many new homes are being built with smart technology preinstalled.  Upgrading your home with smart technology will raise its value as consumers increasingly see the value of smart technology.

    Smart technology will continue to evolve and offer new opportunities for homeowners.  Ensuring your home is ready for smart technology holds many benefits.  You can lower energy costs, enhance security, and gain entertainment options by using smart technology.  When the time comes to sell your home, you can fetch a higher price if your home is prepared to utilize smart technology.  You will need to communicate the benefits of smart technology to potential buyers, and Link NY Realty can expertly show the value of your home.  Link NY Realty will work with you every step of the way in selling your smart technology-equipped home.  If you are looking to buy a home that is prepared for smart technology, Link NY Realty has access to all available listings in New York City and Westchester.  Link NY Realty will find the perfect smart home for you.