Get Smart: Making the Most of Smart Homes in 2021

What's the difference between going home and going to work? For many of us in 2020, the answer was "not much." Most of us have spent more time at home this past year than ever before, so it's only natural to be looking for ways to make that time at home more enjoyable and efficient.

Smart home devices offer so many options for making life easier, more convenient, and more sustainable at home. Buyers, sellers, and owners are embracing smart home products like never before, and that trend is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Now is the time to learn what your clients want in a smart home, beginning with our Smart Home 101 guide.

Who Is Embracing Smart Home Products?

Like with many types of technology, you will see the highest adoption of smart home products among the younger demographics of home buyers and owners. But Millennials and Gen Z are definitely not the only ones embracing the convenience and connectivity of smart homes. Anyone who owns a smartphone can download apps to connect with their smart home products, and buyers of all ages are doing just that. Most smart home devices are designed to be user friendly, easy to install, and easy to connect with the rest of the home. Add it all up, and you have a very diverse group of clients who are embracing the smart home trend.

The Internet of Things Grows Every Year

The Internet of things (IoT) is comprised of all the devices in the home that have online connectivity, and it's growing rapidly every year. Everything from light bulbs to toasters, TVs, and larger appliances can be part of the IoT. These devices often have their own software that allows them to be controlled remotely and have WiFi connectivity to exchange data. For people who already love smart features, IoT devices are a natural fit. These devices can also provide an easy entry point for anyone who is dipping their toes into the waters of smart home items for the first time.

Voice Control and Smart Hubs Are Popular with Every Demographic

There are so many smart home devices that every client is likely to want their own unique mix, but there are also a few devices that you're likely to find in every smart home. A smart hub with voice control, like Amazon's Echo with Alexa, is a must-have because it functions as a hub for so many other devices. A smartphone with the right apps is also a must for maximizing smart devices' convenience and utility. In addition to improved connectivity, smart hubs offer voice control, allowing clients to seamlessly control their homes without scrolling through menus or taking time away from whatever they're busy doing around the house.

How Smart Home Devices in the Kitchen Save Time and Make Life Easier

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home and a very popular place for smart devices. Nearly any powered item found in a kitchen is now available with connectivity to the IoT, among other smart features. For larger appliances, smart versions are easily programmable and can even tell you when it's time for maintenance. Smart refrigerators have some especially advanced features, including some that help you automatically keep a shopping list or even look into the fridge without opening the door. Buyers will love the convenience of a smart kitchen, and sellers will love how much a smart kitchen appeals to those potential buyers.

Why Going Green and Going Smart Go Hand in Hand

Today, many real estate clients are focused on sustainability, and a smart home makes it easier than ever to go green. Start with one of the most popular features, the smart thermostat, which saves energy by keeping your home comfortable when you're there while not wasting energy on heating/cooling while you're away from the house. You can even program it so that your home will be just the right temperature when you come back from work. Really, any smart home device that can be controlled remotely allows you to save energy because you can simply turn it off with your smartphone apps when you're out of the house. There are also affordable devices like smart plugs, which allow you to put lights on a schedule so that you never have to worry about wasting energy on lighting when you're not home. Buyers interested in green living – and sellers who want to attract those buyers – will definitely be interested in smart, sustainable devices.

Smart Security Systems for Peace of Mind

Security systems are one smart home feature that's popular with every demographic, and clients won't have to break the bank to have a high-quality security system that offers smart features. These security systems can be controlled remotely and allow clients to keep a close eye on their home even when they're at work or on vacation. Going with a monitored security system adds an extra layer of protection because security experts can check on the home when security sensors are tripped and send help if anything goes wrong. Smart security systems also offer convenient features like video doorbells, so you can easily see who's at the door before you answer.

A Connected Home for Convenience and Entertainment

Last but certainly not least, there are the smart home devices that are just plain fun and make it easier to enjoy your leisure time. Smart TVs allow you to watch your favorite shows and movies on the most popular streaming services without worrying about a cable bill. Smart speakers are ideal for music lovers because they allow you to listen to your favorite tunes throughout the home and control everything with your voice. Modern gaming consoles aren't always listed among smart home devices but also fit the bill because they offer many of the same perks as a smart TV.

Smart homes are here to stay, and the start of a new year provides the perfect opportunity to begin embracing the trend. As the last few years have shown, you can expect new smart products to emerge regularly and change how we interact with our homes. However, unlike some design trends, smart home features also have extensive appeal, with options to suit buyers from every background. The home of the future is a place where every important device is connected, and clients have an unmatched level of control over the many devices in their home. With how quickly smart homes are progressing, that future is very much within view.

To view the original article, visit the Delta Media Group blog.