In The Know

Smart home products like locks to thermostats, refrigerators, lightbulbs and smart assistants are making their way into Canadian households at record-breaking speeds. Does a smart home attract potential buyers or deter them? 

Privacy Over Connectivity

While many Canadians love the idea of being connected to their home 24/7, it seems there are just as many who distrust what smart home technology might mean for privacy. 59% of people have concerns over the privacy of their smart products. 

Add Wow Without the Worry

If you’re looking to make a few smart upgrades to help your home stand out from the competition, opt for additions that may seem like less of a privacy concern. Here are a few smart home upgrades that potential homebuyers are most likely to appreciate:

Thermostats

The smart thermostat is a great first step into smart home technology. These units control your home’s heating and cooling by learning the behaviours of your household and adjusting temperatures accordingly.  A smart thermostat may be a bonus to homeowners with an interest in controlling home heating and cooling costs.

Smoke and CO2 Detectors

The addition of smart smoke and CO2 detectors can make your home seem safer. Even the most smart-sceptical home buyer may see the value in a smoke detector that knows the difference between burnt popcorn and a house fire.

Wiring

If you are taking on a few major renovation projects in preparation for the sale of your home, you may want to take the time to speak to your electrical contractor about wiring for home automation. This addition won’t be a selling point for everyone, but potential homebuyers with technophile learning may relish the thought of a wired infrastructure for future projects.

While it may be too soon for smart home upgrades to make a significant impact on home resale values, investing in some low-risk additions can provide a wow factor that differentiates your home in the minds of potential buyers.