SMART HOME Technology … Who Wins?

I knew the market analyst in me would surface and come in handy! Here’s a question for all of you regarding Smart Home Technology – DIY or Professionally Installed and Managed? Do you know the difference? Do you have a preference? If you purchased a home that had a pre-installed system but you have to sign up with a Service Provider to make your home Smart and managed Remotely by an app on your phone, would it be a Value Add?

 

 

Not to lead the witness(s), I’m running into 2 technologies and have started forming my own opinion, but I thought I’d tap into the market for your opinion. The two technologies are:

1) Zigbee and solutions from: Amazon / Google / Apple – DIY install and managed

VERSUS

2) Z-Wave and the Service Provider required solutions from providers like: Vivnt, Alarm.com (and their providers), ADT, etc.

 

Why do I care?

1) Buyers tour a home, they see devices and assume – download software and manage yourself ….. don’t assume what you see is what you think it is 🙂

2) Buyers – Do you know the difference when you tour a home?

3) Are the service provider required being Netflixed?

– Will the Service Provider required solutions adapt a self managed model?

– Will they / are they both compatible with eachother?

– Who ends up owning the Control Panel / Hub? Which technology should I prefer?

3) Sellers – do you lose buyers over the technology installed? Which one has higher market value?

 

Each solution has merit, but which is carrying the greatest market value? Which survives long term? Which do you prefer as a new home buyer? What are your expectations? Service provider solutions do carry with them ~$1,200 to $$1,800 worth of pre-installed equipment and a free set-up, but do carry a monthly subscription whether they are monitored 24×7 or not. DIY solutions require the homeowner to perform their own purchase, install and monitoring – no one is calling the police or fire departments in real-time during and event.

Which solution DO YOU PREFER and WHY? I’m taking a market poll! Either solution is a value-add during an appraisal, however, the market decides which functionality is of highest value.

 

 

Bottom Line

These devices are “fixtures”, must convey and major systems (HVACs, smoke detectors, etc.) must function at closing (at least in Virginia). Things get tricky with these devices at time of sale in:

  1. Keeping major systems operational without internet and a service provider
  2. Managing buyer expectations that the Smart Home you just purchased just lost it’s heart beat and you may need to sign up with a service provider and internet to resuscitate the system back to life.
  3. Managing seller expectations who installed the Smart Home system and the debt collector who comes knocking for final payment of the system on the hardware baked into a multi-year contract and ensuring the major systems continue to work without internet and a service contract.

 

Now let’s hear your expert opinions! Let ‘er fly!

And be sure you are working with a professional who knows the differences, the impact to you in your situation and can guide you as a buyer or seller as to the best route forward!

Michele Hudnall | 703.867.3436 | [email protected]

 


 

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I look forward to speaking to you soon!

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About the Author

Northern Virginia area has always been home for me and has much to offer as your lifestyle requirements move forward. My consultative background for the technology companies in market analysis, go-to-market strategy and leading change is what I bring to my clients when they are searching for home or looking to make a change. No two clients have the same requirements and I am passionate about helping to match clients with my Northern Virginia home and their current lifestyle!   

My mission is to help you with the service, technology, and marketing strategy you should expect and demand from a Realtor. You are embarking on what should be a fun and exciting adventure, let me remove the stress so you can enjoy yourself! Therefore, I am partnered with the best in the industry - Keller Williams Realty. The real estate market is evolving technically which is extremely exciting and I am applying technology and marketing strategy for clients everyday.   

I have watched Northern Virginia grow and evolve, I grew up boating and skiing on the Occoquan, am a Purple Bleeding James Madison University alumni, hometown sports fan, foodie and a fitness fanatic who is here to serve you in making your next move and finding home!   

Now let’s find your home in Northern Virginia!   

Michele Hudnall | @RealEstateOfNVA | [email protected] | 703.867.3436

Check out the monthly Real Estate of NVA Report for in depth analysis of the Northern Virginia market story!