Advances in technology have helped make our lives much easier. Computers used to take up entire rooms. Today, we hold a world of information in the palm of our hand. Westfield buyers of all ages look for properties that include smart-home features. If these features already come installed in the home, they won’t have to install them later. But which smart-home features do buyers look for the most?

Smart-Home Features Westfield Buyers Want

Heating and Air

Smart thermostats rank high on the list smart-home features today’s Westfield buyer looks for when searching for their next house. While just about everyone wants to lower their electrical usage, this proves especially popular among younger homeowners. Turn the temperature up when the last person leaves your house during the summer. Then, 30 minutes to an hour before the first person returns, schedule it to lower so you come home to a nice, cool house. Your comfort stays the same but you don’t pay for cooling off an empty house. The same rings true for winter and when you go on vacation. According to Best Reviews Guide, the top three smart thermostats you should consider are the Alarm.com, the Ecobee3 Lite, and the Smart Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Color Touch.

Security

We all want to feel safe and sound in our own homes. So, it makes sense that smart-home security features also rank high on buyers’ wish lists. Families want garages that open with an app on their smartphones, computers or tablets. Engadget found the Chamberlain MyQ Garage to be the best one they tested. Older homeowners desire smart locks for their doors. PC Mag liked the August Smart Lock HomeKit, the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect, and the Schlage Sense kits the best. Many of today’s home security systems include doorbell cameras that you can access via your smartphone from anywhere. Home security systems also lower your homeowner’s insurance.

Lights

Another area that provides convenience as well as security is the lighting system. Adding motion-detection lighting in key areas around your home’s exterior increases your home’s desirability to buyers. It also deters would-be thieves from trying to enter your home. Some smart lighting systems allow you to turn lights off and on in various rooms while you’re at work, running errands or away on vacation. The Ecobee Switch works great in conjunction with the Ecobee3 Lite thermostat.

Sound System

Fewer people go to the movie theaters nowadays. That’s because they can personalize their movie-going experience from the comfort of their own home. A smart sound system makes the experience even better. Amazon Echo, Amazon Echo Spot, and Google Home Max work great for listening to music while doing chores around the house. Sonos’ Beam and One systems are fantastic for streaming movies or watching your favorite television programs.

Wireless Network

Whether watching movies on Netflix, surfing the internet or playing video games, we need a good wi-fi network. You don’t want your movie to start buffering at a pivotal moment, do you? You’ll need a good router to ensure smooth, uninterrupted service. According to TechRadar.com, Google Wifi and Netgear Obi rank highest on their list of best wireless mesh routers.

Do you have to have these smart-home features installed in your Westfield home for someone to buy it? Not necessarily. But offering these smart-home upgrades makes your home much more desirable to buyers. They could also help you sell your home faster. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home anytime soon, these features will definitely add value to your lifestyle.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes