The Many Benefits of Smart Home Technology

As our EMTAR members know from the work you do—and as many of your fellow community residents know from watching all of the construction underway around them—a bevy of new housing continues to be built in Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties, from single-family homes to condos, from townhomes to apartments—not to mention the commercial construction in our midst as well.

In many of these new properties, developers and contractors are incorporating the latest in smart-home features, bringing leading-edge technology to the places where new and relocating residents will live, play, and raise families.

As this real estate trend keeps picking up steam, let’s take a quick look at some of the primary benefits of smart-home tech.

Energy efficiency

Research has shown that smart homes may use up to 40 percent less energy than traditional housing, and that can save homeowners upwards of $1,000 each year on utility costs. What’s more, smart-home systems are calibrated to learn from homeowners’ daily habits—when the lights, the kitchen, the showers, etc., are drawing the most energy on a given day—and use that data to improve efficiency over the long haul.

Security

The latest and greatest home-security systems include finely tuned motion detectors, smart keypad locks, crystal-clear surveillance cameras, and more. These systems can be controlled remotely, from apps on a mobile device, which allows homeowners to monitor and secure their homes from anywhere—on the golf course, at a child’s soccer or dance practice, even on a far-flung vacation to Destin or the Smokies. 

Convenience

Yes, smart homes tend to make most tasks easy-peasy (or at least a lot easier-peasier than they have been). A centralized system that allows homeowners to easily control multiple aspects of their homes, such as adjusting the thermostat or turning on a lamp, is appealing because all it takes is the touch or tap of a fingertip on a smart phone.

Comfort

Let’s face it, after a long, full day of work, working out, and ferrying family members to and from activities, the allure of unwinding in a safe, comfortable home is strong. As smart tech makes it more and more possible to maintain a well-regulated home environment, that can have a significant positive impact on our peace, well-being, and happiness. 

Remote access

As touched on already, smart homes allow residents to remotely monitor and control their homes. Take the latest irrigation (sprinkler) systems: While it’s not new, the technology available to water a lawn and flowerbeds from a mobile device continues to expand.

Enhanced monitoring and communication

And finally, the remote access we just outlined also means that smart homes can connect to a homeowner’s mobile phone in a nanosecond, which means they are instantly alerted to any potential issues at home, and can in turn alert authorities (fire, police) just as quickly if needed.

Of course, today’s top real estate professionals have already been thinking about smart-home technology for quite a while. It’s certainly on the radar screen of our EMTAR brokers and agents, especially when showing new or newer properties to prospective home buyers.

The same is true across the nation. For example, in a recent blog, REALTOR®, speaker, and author Leigh Brown shared some of the reasons why she believes “new-construction smart homes are a smart choice.” In a post titled “The Future of Smart Homes: Integrating Technology for Convenience and Security,” Brown zoomed in on these benefits:

Keyless Entry
Smart Thermostats
Security Cameras
Automated Outdoors (mowers, irrigation)
Voice Control
Home Automation

You can read all of her thoughts here.

And then there is the National Association of REALTORS®’ one-stop resource on this vital topic, which they have dubbed “The Ultimate Smart Home Series.” From this landing page, NAR members and consumers can access a menu of helpful insights, ideas, and inspiration.

Recent articles include “Smart Home Tech for the Luxury Market,” “Simplicity Meets Innovation: The Rise of Minimalist Smart Home Technology,” and “Smart Home Solutions for Outdoors Season”—among many more.

Visit the full Ultimate Smart Home Series here.

In conclusion, while we’re not quite to the level of tech depicted in futuristic books and shows such as I, Robot, Back to the Future II, or even The Jetsons (look it up, younger folks), the smart-home landscape continues to develop in real time. In light of that, it is wise for those of us who serve the public to keep tabs on new developments and equip ourselves to be ready to help introduce our clients to the very latest innovations in the places they can’t wait to call home.

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,300+ REALTORS® are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS® and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.