Did you know smart homes are one of the hottest real estate trends? Home automation gadgets have been around for a while, but, in recent years, it has gone to a whole new level. Moreover, home buyers are seeking out homes integrated with these advanced functions. The benefits of these smart homes are many, including increased control, energy efficiency, and security.

So, what is a smart home? In the most advanced homes, virtually everything using electricity is connected to a home network. One can then control everything with their phone, tablet, voice command, or remote control. Moreover, communication between you and devices are two-way. For example, a notification can pop up on your phone any time someone rings your doorbell.  Could you use that?

Hottest Smart Homes Trends of 2016

Smart Thermostats - Programmable thermostats have been around for a while. However, smart thermostats actually learn your preferences and will begin to remember your schedule, making temperature changes accordingly. Coming home early? Send your thermostat a message using your smartphone so it can anticipate your arrival.

Smart Locks - These are especially useful to help make a home more aging-friendly or accessible for people with disabilities. Smart locks use either voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone. You can even lock and unlock your house remotely,

Smart Lights - We all use to laugh at those "clap on, clap off" commercials from years ago. Today, lights can turn themselves on and off automatically as you enter or leave a room. You will never again have to yell at the kids for leaving the lights on. Moreover, smart lights replace the old timers that turn lights on and off when you are away.

Smart Monitoring - Your home security, fire and CO alarms, and water monitoring are now all controllable using your smartphone. Is someone at the door? Use your phone to see and ask who it is. Is there a hidden water leak? Your home will send you a phone notification if water is detected or the humidity changes.

What haven't we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about the hottest smart home trends of 2016, or need more information, please contact us.