There are trends that come and go over time, but I’ve been surprised just how important Smart Home technology has become for homeowners. As I’ve helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes across Beaver County and the greater Pittsburgh region, I’ve seen how smart home technology has gone from a fun addition for the tech savvy, to a life-changing upgrade that homeowners don’t want to live without- and today’s buyers come to expect. Comfort, convenience, safety and efficiency are just a few benefits offered with the various technology options. Best of all? Smart technology can easily be added to any home, giving a charming historic home a 21st century upgrade that anyone can appreciate.
Smart Home upgrades are something you can appreciate today and for years to come, even if you aren’t sure you’re ready to sell just yet. What’s not to love about getting great connected benefits that make life easier, increases safety while also increasing property value?
Why Smart Home Features Matter in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh area has a rich history and a bright future, and our houses reflect that- with everything from the nicest new construction to beautiful historic homes over 100 years old. Regardless of what a buyer is looking for, smart home features can bring them all to a modern standard of livability and luxury. Smart home features can make any home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.
Various studies have shown that smart home features can increase property value by 3–5%. On top of that, properties with these features tend to attract more buyers and sell more quickly. These are big benefits for upgrades that can be easy to install, while also being affordable.
Popular Smart Home Upgrades That Add Value
- Smart Thermostats
You don’t need to be a meteorologist to recognize how often Pittsburgh’s weather can be wild and unpredictable. With the addition of a smart thermostat, your home can remain a comfortable temperature regardless of what mother nature is doing outside. Smart thermostats offer more control than traditional units, and can be set with timers to change temps based on when you’ll be home. This can make your home’s heating more efficient, giving a benefit to buyers who appreciate affordable operation and sustainability. Learn more about smart thermostats. - Security Tech & Smart Locks
Technology can also help protect our homes. Security cameras and video doorbells can help give a homeowner an idea of who’s at the door, and can help you keep track of everything from package deliveries to when your kids arrive home from school. Smart locks give unprecedented peace of mind- you’ll never have to get out of bed or turn around on your way to work just to make sure you locked the door behind you. These devices are easy to use, all from the comfort of your phone, giving you security access whether you’re sitting in the living room watching a movie, at work, or away on a trip. Easy to install, budget friendly, and available almost anywhere: smart locks come in many configurations to meet your needs. Here are some highly rated smart lock models available. - Smart Lighting Systems
Lighting helps set the ambiance and mood of your home, and modern smart lighting systems allow for nearly infinite variations for brightness and even color, to help make your home look and feel its best. Combined with LED bulbs, you can lower your electricity bills while also adding flexibility. We’ve come a long way from simple dimmer switches! Just like smart thermostats, you can set timers or operate them remotely with your phone. Want to feel like you’re living in the future? Motion detection and voice activation can mean you never have to touch a light switch again. - Voice-Controlled Automation
There’s nothing more convenient than asking your personal robotic assistant to do something for you. Want to turn on the lights? Want to play some background music? Just ask away. Systems like Alexa or Google Home allow homeowners to control connected smart systems with just a simple voice command. Modern AI integration can also mean access to information at any time. - Energy-Efficient Smart Appliances
While they might’ve seemed like a gimmick when they were first introduced, smart appliances have gotten more widespread acceptance from buyers. On top of being more energy efficient like many other smart upgrades, the connectivity of these devices can help make daily chores easier to track and complete. Streamline your daily routine by being able to quickly adjust automatic starts for your morning coffee. Want to sleep in late on a Saturday? Just ask Alexa to delay the coffee maker for another hour.
The ROI of Smart Upgrades
The best home upgrades do three things: increase the value of your home, help attract buyers, and make your home a nicer place to live today. Smart technology isn’t just a passing fad- it’s a series of home upgrades that offer real benefits in all three categories. Like any emerging technology, they become better each year- and often more affordable, too. What once may have been considered luxury upgrades, they have now become more affordable practical additions that any homeowner can appreciate.
Whether you’re interested in starting small with a new smart thermostat or want to go all in with a fully connected home where every system and appliance can be controlled from your fingertips, there are great benefits to be found. These upgrades don’t just make your home more livable—they make it more marketable.
If you’re thinking about selling—or just want to future-proof your home—I’d be happy to help you understand which upgrades make the most sense for your property and your goals. Smart home features are quickly becoming expected by today’s buyers, so don’t be afraid to embrace technology.