In today’s digital world we are connected to technology like never before. The day of using “the clapper” (clap on, clap off) to turn lights off is over. Devices now allow us to control so many things in our homes – from thermostats to garage doors to slow cookers.

The convenience of a smart home is appealing to many home buyers. A recent survey reveals interesting insights about smart-home technology and what homeowners want.

Desired Smart-Home-Features
A survey published by the National Association of Realtors indicated while most homeowners (82 percent) are not asking real estate agents about smart homes, they are still very interested. Buyers want smart-home functions to provide them with these top benefits:

• Security (81% deem this “very important” or “somewhat important”)
• Privacy (75%)
• Energy savings (78%)
• Cost savings (77%)
• Comfort (71%)

While homeowners are intrigued by the possibilities that smart products can provide, fewer than 50 percent could name even the most popular products such as Nest thermostats or tools offered by well-known brands like Amazon, Apple, and Google.

Products of Interest
While there are many smart products currently available and more coming to market each day. Here are some techie conveniences that are of interest:

Smart Locks
Smart locks do far more than let you in and out of your home. Today’s smart locks allow you to monitor who entering your home while you are away. Some models let you assign access privileges to friends, family members, contractors or others.

Many smart locks include a mobile or web app that lets you lock and unlock doors remotely a from a mobile device or computer. These apps allow you to set access privileges and some provide for voice activation or geofencing, which lets you set a perimeter that, when detected, locks or unlocks automatically.

Smart Lights
Homeowners can replace a basic incandescent light bulb with a smart, LED-equipped bulb controllable by smart phone, tablet or computer. These bulbs come in a standard white light or can change colors or brightness on the fly. Light beams can be dispersed broadly like a traditional bulb or narrowed to provide a focused beam. Bulbs can be scheduled to save on energy costs and brighten up the home when you arrive.

There are also devices that control your home’s outdoor lights. This would be very convenient during the holidays if you like to decorate with lights.

Smart Thermostats
One of the most popular early technologies, the smart thermostat, offers a lot of other good options for homeowners. Like smart lights, they help conserve energy by scheduling temperature changes for when homes are occupied. While some only control heating and cooling, modern models also manage ventilation and dehumidification systems. Others can analyze the habits of house usage and recommend settings to lower energy costs further.

Given that so many home buyers are still unaware of smart-home possibilities, giving them information is one of the most valuable things a real estate agent can do to help create even more value in their homes.

Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty. HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers. To learn more click www.hmsnational.com