Available Smart Home tech covers a range from amusing novelties to must-have capabilities and features. But, as with any new technology, you don’t want to hitch your wagon to a product that might not have staying power. CNET suggests that “to protect yourself against that uncertainty, we recommend leaning towards products that work on multiple Smart-home networks and that stand alone as stellar gadgets.”
Smart Agents
To further differentiate our Agents from the herd, Coldwell Banker University (CBU) is collaborating with CEDIA, the leading trade association for 22,000 Smart Home manufacturers and installers, to develop an industry-first Smart Home certificate program. The course is designed to provide agents with the knowledge to
- Identify and discuss Smart Home features and benefits with buyers and sellers
- Suggest Smart Home upgrades to help increase the marketability, improve sales value and/or reduce time on market for a listing
- Assist buyers in understanding the potential financial benefits of Smart home tech when considering an offer to purchase
Energy Consumption
Americans spend 22 billion dollars annually on air conditioning alone. Wouldn’t you like to mitigate some of that cost by making your home more efficient? There are a number of devices engineered for just that purpose. Smart windows, shades, and window films, for example, can turn your windows opaque on demand, making it easier for your central air to keep the house cool.
Other devices monitor energy consumption and provide feedback so you can cut back wherever things are getting excessive. The average home has 25 products on standby power, the worst culprits being the microwave, television and computer. A Smart power strip allows you to cut power to devices not in use so they don’t weigh on your power bill.
Motion-sensors can turn lights on and off as you move from room to room. You can even get a thermostat that learns your habits. They can adjust the temperature to cool or heat less when you’re not home, and bring the temperature to where you want it just in time for you to walk in the door. Now that’s service! Some Smart thermostats also process the external temperature and relative humidity to assess heating and cooling needs.
Around the House
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been keeping our homes safe for decades, but over are the days of fanning the smoke from the dinner that stayed in a little too long with a dish towel or magazine. Smart smoke detectors can be turned off right from your Smart phone once you’ve established that there’s no real danger. Some even alert you first with a human voice suggesting that there’s smoke in the kitchen, rather than that deafening BEEP BEEP BEEP.
You can even integrate a Smart thermostat and Smart carbon monoxide detector. In the event of high carbon monoxide levels in the home, it will cut your central heat so it doesn’t proliferate throughout your home.
Smart doorbells integrate audio, video, and your Smart phone via an app and Wi-Fi to let you know who’s at your door. This gives you the capability to answer remotely via two-way audio and act like you’re home even when you’re not. You can even silence your doorbell for those times when baby’s sleeping, or if you just need some do-not-disturb time.
Smart door locks save you from fumbling for your keys with an armload of groceries. Available with either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, your door knows when you’re coming and going as long as you have your Smart phone on you. Wi-Fi Smart locks allow you to remotely buzz people into your home, and you can even give house guests short-term access through their own Smart phone.
Smart-capable entertainment is already common in the home, relative to most Smart tech. TVs, stereos, and other entertainment devices can learn your preferences and respond to voice commands.
Your washer and dryer can even be Smart. They can learn your setting preferences, and alert you on your Smart phone when it’s time to change over a load of laundry.