G.E.T. Smart! Smart Home & Green Technologies

Listen to the recording of Adrienne’s presentation.

YPN’s G.E.T. (Grow. Elevate. Thrive.) breakfast series continued at Manny’s with a presentation by Adrienne Ciskey of the National Association of REALTORS® Center for REALTOR® Technology (CRT Labs). CRT’s mission is to take a look at emerging technologies and evaluate them to get the important information out to REALTORS® and their clients. The two areas where REALTORS® have shown the most interest is Lifestyle and Security. Adrienne walked us through several technologies in each of those spaces. For more information on smart technology, check out CRTLabs.org, and check out their Facebook Live office hours every Friday at 2PM.

Security

Smart Locks

Smart locks augment or replace locks so that your phone becomes the hub for usage instead of a physical key. Wireless protocols like Bluetooth enable your phone to become the key, giving you peace of mind. These smart locks also feature traditional key slots as well, in case someone wants or needs a regular key. These are no more hack-able than a normal lock. And while the price is higher than a traditional lock, you’re getting a lot of technology for the price. And, when you’re ready to sell, the reset process is fairly simple – a tech-y substitute for the traditional key exchange.

Smart Cameras

81 percent of homebuyers and sellers have indicated an interest in smart cameras, and they’re a great way to get clients thinking about smart technology and security. Smart cameras nowadays are significantly upgraded in aesthetics and function. You can find models that are motion-activated, both indoor and outdoor. Alerts can be sent to your phone if motion is detected, and some models can go as far as recognizing the difference between a dog or squirrel moving outside, versus a human. Plus, many insurance companies are now offering discounts if security cameras are installed on your properties. Considerations for security cameras include where to store footage: on a card or in the cloud. Some options you have to pay for, and others you don’t. Install is relatively easy, with choice of batteries or a hardwired connection. Most importantly, please note that if you’re showing a home with a security camera installed, this must be disclosed.

Smart doorbells

Smart doorbells are newer technology. They have cameras attached to them, as well as a speaker and microphone system. These can be hooked up to your smart phone and offer motion detection – a fantastic augmentation to your security system. The challenges, however, is that it doesn’t replace a traditional security system; it only runs when the motion-activation is triggered or doorbell is pressed. Also, smart doorbells cost significantly more, although you can either reset it or take it with you when you sell.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle technology includes innovations that are helpful and great to have, but don’t give you security.

Smart Lights

Research has shown that light temperatures are important considerations for productivity. Smart light bulbs are a tiny tweak that can improve your quality of life. Some feature motion detectors or timers, to eliminate ever having to fumble for a light switch. Depending on the lightbulb, you may need a hub like a Google Home or an Amazon Alexa. Smart light bulbs do cost a lot more than LED bulbs, but you’re getting helpful features. When you sell a home with smart lights, you can program them to have some great staging and mood enhancements through the app.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow you to intelligently control the temperature in a home. You can save money and energy because the thermostat takes your habits and learns how to program itself efficiently. You can also program a vacation or night program if you aren’t in the home. Utility companies now offer great rebates on smart thermostats to offset the costs, and the reset procedures are really easy, but you have to remember to go through with it when you sell.

Air and Environmental Quality Monitors

CRT Labs is working right now on air and environmental quality monitors to provide REALTORS a member benefit and help your clients out. Air quality and environmental quality monitors take a look at a variety of factors to ensure you’re as comfortable and healthy as possible in your environment. They help you to resolve issues before they affect your health. For example, you can take a look at the levels of dust in your home and decide when to open your windows. This can also be an indication that it’s time to clean your ducts. Monitors are connected to your phone and will ping you for a variety of reasons, like if your CO2 is high.