In recent years, smart home technology has certainly advanced by leaps and bounds. More and more people are now looking to upgrade their homes with smart devices that offer greater convenience, security, and energy efficiency. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can adjust the temperature, turn on the lights, or start the coffee pot. You can also receive alerts if there is any unusual activity or security breaches. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here, we’ll give you a rundown of the latest and greatest in smart home technology, because as Scottsdale real estate experts, The MoJo Team knows that in 2022, the best home for you and your family isn’t just cozy, it makes your life easier with efficiency and connectivity.
The Latest in Smart Home Technology
One of the hottest trends in smart home technology is voice-activated assistants. These devices, which include Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Home, and Apple’s HomeKit, allow you to control various aspects of your home using just your voice. For example, you can use them to turn on the lights, set the temperature, or play music. You can ask them for answers to questions, such as the release date of an upcoming movie or how many tablespoons are in a stick of butter. It’s understandable that voice-activated assistants are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a great deal of convenience and are very easy to set up and use, and they allow you to connect to other smart devices around your home so you’re in full control.
Another popular type of smart device is the smart thermostat, which is an essential feature to have here in the Valley of the Sun. These devices allow you to control your home’s temperature using your smartphone or other mobile devices. They can also learn your preferences over time and automatically adjust the temperature to suit your needs. Smart thermostats are a great way to save energy and money on your utility bills, which is always a good thing in the hot Scottsdale climate. APS actually has a wide range of smart thermostats to shop from via their marketplace, which makes them free or at a very low cost to you after the rebates they offer. One of our favorites is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control, and you’ll find it tops most of the experts’ lists too.
Smart appliances are an amazing option to add to your home. Smart appliances can save you time and money by performing tasks automatically or through pre-programming. For example, many smart refrigerators come equipped with sensors that can automatically order more milk when you’re running low. Other common features include the ability to remotely control the appliance (e.g., turning on the oven while you’re still at work), and scheduling functionality (e.g., setting the coffee maker to turn on at 6:00 AM). They can also help you conserve energy by taking advantage of lower-cost electricity periods or by automatically shutting off when not in use. Additionally, many smart appliances offer features that non-smart appliances do not, such as voice control and mobile app integration.
Finally, we have smart security systems. These systems allow you to monitor and control your home’s security using your smartphone or other mobile devices. They can also be programmed to send you alerts if there is any suspicious activity detected. Smart security systems are an excellent way to deter burglars and keep your family safe because even the safest neighbors like the ones Scottsdale offers aren’t always immune to a possible crime. There’s a wide range of smart security systems to choose from, and you can choose one that’s professionally installed and monitored for a monthly fee, or you can go with a self-installed smart home system.
Will Smart Home Upgrades Add Value to My Home?
Obviously investing in smart home technology can provide convenience and even help with your peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family and home. But, will upgrading your home to include smart features add overall value to your home? Absolutely! Studies indicate that the vast majority of buyers want a move-in-ready smart home. When appraisers compare tech-enabled homes with similar homes that are tech-deficient, they make adjustments in your favor, increasing the value of your home. Smart homes are simply easier to sell and command higher prices. In Scottsdale specifically, buyers are looking for features like smart thermostats, smart lighting, smart sprinkler control, security systems, and high-end appliances with all the advanced technological features.
Buying or Selling in Scottsdale? Trust the MoJo Team
The MoJo Team are expert Realtors® that aim to take the stress out of the buying and selling process and help you close your deal with confidence. If you’re looking to upgrade your home with smart technology, we can help you assess what features will increase your home’s market value. Likewise, if you’re shopping for a smart home in Scottsdale, we are confident we have a listing that’ll check all of your boxes. Call or text us directly at 480-356-5657 or send us an email: team@MoJoScottsdale.com. We can’t wait to get you into the home of your dreams!