How to sell a smart home: 3 talking points you don’t want to miss
Showcase the savings, convenience and security benefits to potential buyers
Homebuyers don’t just want smart homes — they expect them, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has also keyed in on this tech-loving trend, as evidenced by its recent meeting with three major tech giants. And it’s no surprise.
Unlike the large construction projects that bring high costs or landscaping work that takes a big time commitment, smart-home features require relatively minimal setup and quickly result in convenience and savings, making them a great investment for any home.
But not every buyer is aware of just how beneficial smart-home tech can be. That’s where you come in. Whether you’re assisting a first-time homebuyer or helping a move-up client, here are three smart-home talking points you can’t miss.
1. The potential energy (and cost) savings
Energy-efficient homes across the U.S. sell faster and for more money, per the U.S. Department of Energy, and that’s likely because buyers — especially young buyers — are interested in going green. And luckily, investing in smart-home tech is one of the easiest ways to start living an eco-conscious life.
Those energy savings can translate into energy bill savings as well. Automating a home’s thermostat and eliminating unnecessary heating and cooling expenses, for example, could lower energy bills and save homeowners hundreds of dollars every year.
Smart lighting has a similar effect, reducing wasted energy and increasing savings. Ensuring your potential buyers know all about the specific monetary savings and minimizing effects on the environment that smart tech affords will make any sale a little easier.
2. The convenience
It’s hard to put a price on convenience, but smart-home tech can help. Take the time to walk through practical use cases where smart tech would make life a little simpler, and include a few demonstrations if you can.
Most smart devices can be set to turn on or off based on a schedule or specific event — smart lights can be set to turn on when the garage opens or smart window shades could be programmed to open right as the sun comes up.
Additionally, smart-home tech doesn’t have to be entirely automated; many smart-tech users appreciate the ability to control devices remotely. No more wondering if the front door got locked or whether the porch lights were left on: a simple check through a device’s associated app can confirm that everything is as it should be.
The easy access afforded by smart tech can also make the home you’re selling more accessible to a wider range of buyers. A smart-lighting system that can be controlled by a schedule or an app rather than a physical trip to the light switch, for instance, could have big benefits for those with limited mobility, so be sensitive to each buyer’s needs as you talk about the tech.