You’ve got a great job offer and you’re moving from your New York City condo to a more affordable city like Athens, Georgia. Let’s face it, it’s now time to get rid of that winter boot cleaning service. Today you need to start thinking about selling your home this year and possibly making a few important updates before doing so. If you are in the market to sell, you need to be aware of the following six smart systems that your buyers will classify as must-haves and huge value-adds.
Entry
Admit it, you were pretty impressed when you saw your first keyless entry door knob on a home in your neighborhood. While hotels have been using card entry systems for years, those four button, battery operated and clunkily programmable door knobs were a big hit. All you had to remember was a four-digit code, and with the manual flapping in the wind, you were able to input up to three separate codes that of course you could physically change whenever you wanted to.
There are now smart door knobs that can be programmed from your mobile device, and some of the best units are equipped with cameras and microphones so that you can talk to anyone that arrives on your doorstep—even if you are on a different continent.
Garden
You remember that time when your neighbors went on vacation and smugly set their sprinkler system to water frequently so that their lawn would be a guaranteed green when they returned home? What they didn’t count on was a flood, and the sight of their sprinkler heads bubbling in two feet of water was quite interesting.
With a smart garden app, this would never have occurred, as your neighbors would have been able to turn off the water with one touch or click.
Lighting
LEDs are the way to go as incandescent and fluorescent fixtures—while still useful in some special cases—are rapidly becoming obsolete. Pair a new LED system with a great app and you can control ambience, intensity, hues, and even match your indoor lighting with the mix of sun and clouds on a particular day.
Outlets
Have you ever forgotten to turn off the stove? That can certainly make a long-haul flight even longer. With a smart receptacle, you can turn the power off and on from your phone. If your airline offers decent Wi-Fi, you can take care of the issue directly from your comfortable seat.
Security
Those motion detectors created a lot of attention when you first installed them. If something crossed their path your alarm company would be notified and after they would check with you, the authorities might be called. With a smart security system, however, you can install digital cameras throughout your home and monitor everything from your smart device.
HVAC
Even if you have a lot of old-school systems in your home, the addition of a smart thermostat is paramount. Buyers want to know that they can set inside home temperatures from their office or a volleyball game, and they also want to be able to remotely monitor the stability of their HVAC system. Remember, if you have no idea how they work, check out how you can find the a new guide to finding the best HVAC contractor to get started.
The first programmable thermostats were a big improvement over that little round thing with the mercury bulb in it, but smart HVAC systems are very sophisticated and desirable.
Get smart now, satisfy potential buyers, and increase the value of your property!
