Home automation is a remotely controlled arrangement that allows you to remotely control a variety of home systems that increases convenience and security, two of the top selling topics when you are looking to sell your Breckenridge real estate. Whether you are looking to sell now, or in the future, it might be time to start looking at home automation, not only for the convenience aspect, but to increase the overall value of your Breckenridge property when it comes time to sell. With most of the properties in Breckenridge being second homes, home automation is a wonderful method for monitoring what’s going on in your home while you are not there.
Convenience, security, and upping your resale value are three great reasons to start installing home automation systems in your home right now. But, it might come down to the fact that you can remotely monitor systems in your vacation home that becomes your main reason for implementing this technology. Think about being able to monitor the energy usage, heating/cooling systems, lighting system, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, security devices, smart appliances, ventilation systems and temperature controls from anywhere in the world! Think about how much money you could save with this home automation technology. And, think about the 3-5 percent increase in value of you home that home automation could employ. You just need to decide which home automation options are worth your time, the value to install/use them, and which ones might have resale value when you decide to sell your property. So, what are the added benefits?
Added Benefits
If you are concerned about security – which is a valid concern when your vacation home sits empty for months out of the year – connecting your security system can provide you with text or email alerts when it detects movement when nobody is home. You can automate security cameras to make sure that its not just a raccoon that tripped the silent alarm. Think about the energy savings too! Internet-controlled thermostats that can be fine-tuned throughout the day, during peak times, or on a room-by-room basis can reduce energy usage by 10-30% according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Do you rent your vacation property and find that lights are continually left on? Well, a connected lighting system will enable you to switch those lights off with the click of a button. How about carbon monoxide leaks or fires? Be notified immediately when your boiler or furnace is acting up or if there is a fire. Yes, you will ultimately save money with home automation, but the added peace of mind may just be the capper.
Costs
You are probably enticed by the idea of home automation, but the first question that typically comes to mind is how much does it cost? The answer to this question depends on how automated you want your home to be. For example, you can spend $200 or less to install a new thermostat that is smartphone enabled, or you can swap out the entire home and spend upwards of $40K. It is all up to you. However you decide to go about this, it does not have to be a major investment if you don’t want it to be. You can add home automation in stages so it won’t stretch your budget. But, if you are going to make one major investment, lighting and security are the top two features that home buyers are looking for. Things like whole-house sound or automated entertainment systems tend to be more personal preferences, so a strategic implementation plan makes the most sense.
Is it Worth it?
According to a report from Transparency Market Research, it is estimated that the worldwide home automation market will be a $22-billion-dollar industry by the year 2020. So, this is a trend that is not going away. This “futuristic” technology may not quite be where we want it to be, so you have to decide if its worth it at this point in time. You may want to wait for it to further evolve because costs to implement can be high, some systems are not DIY, there is limited functionality, it is not yet mainstream, there are security risks of hacking into your system, and standardized technology is slow to develop. But, as this technology develops, more and more homeowners will reap the benefits.
In an increasingly picky market, anything that can add to your home’s value is an investment worth considering. It just so happens that home automation can benefit you in many ways without even planning to sell your home in the future! If you are looking to take into account your resale value with added home automation, our local real estate professionals can help you determine what is right for you.
By Reid Tulley
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Frisco Colorado
