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EMBRACING SMART
Embracing Smart Homes: Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?
Technology and innovation move at a lightning-fast clip, so it can be hard to keep up with all the smart-home trends sweeping the market at a given time. From smart thermostats to security systems accessed through an app on your phone—there are endless options to customize and update your home for the modern era. But which, if any, of these smart home products add value to property in a significant, worthwhile capacity? Especially with new generations of the same products released in quick succession, it can be hard to determine whether it’s worth it to take the plunge. With that in mind, we’ve conducted a deep-dive into the smart home options out there that make the most sense for your bottom line and real estate investments.
Smart home amenities range in price and return.
There are certain smart home products that won’t break the bank while still adding lovely touches and time-saving features to your space. For instance, a smart thermostat may not run more than a few hundred dollars, but it can take so much of the guesswork and analog nuisance out of programming your home’s internal environment. That said, buyers selling properties with mid-range amenities like this can’t expect a windfall in return. While smart home features can certainly lure buyers and give the sense that a home is attractively modern (and thus move-in ready), it doesn’t mean that you’ll be reaping a sizable monetary reward for your foresight. Conversely, this reality doesn’t mean those smart options are without value entirely; it just means that the value of smart home options may be apparent in a different capacity, like luring a particular buyer or creating a desirable, sleek image for a property headed to market.
On the other hand, larger scale smart home amenities that are being left behind for the buyer—like a smart refrigerator or wired sound throughout the property—may be able to lure particular buyers who value high-end details. While it can be difficult to state definitively the value of smart home options, the rule tends to be that the more you put in, the higher the likelihood you’ll reap the investment you sow. Focus your smart home options on home appliances first, then work your way toward security, thermostat, and entertainment options.
Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers
Even if you have mostly opted for small or mid-range smart home options, you can still benefit from their presence in a property—even if they don’t inflate your bottom line as a result. Smart home amenities have the power to focus the attention of buyers, sending a clear signal that the previous owners were tech-forward and made an effort to upgrade the property for the contemporary era. Millennial or Gen Z buyers especially value these up-to-date modifications, and the presence of these desirable gadgets can create added interest and drive up value naturally. Likewise, featuring these options in listing photography can also drive interest from younger or high-end buyers looking for move-in ready spaces.
Agents must know how to pitch the value of smart home options
Remember that smart home features are relatively fresh to the market. While some new construction properties are equipped with these smart amenities, just as many homes on the market don’t offer these upgrades and modern flairs. This means that many buyers, of all ages even, aren’t familiar with the benefits and perks of these options, let alone how they’re operated. Before you can derive value from a smart home or smart home features, you’ll need to understand a product’s proper usage, cost, and benefits. Do your homework regarding what smart home features can offer in terms time or cost savings, and be able to show prospective buyers how easy these objects are to use, as well. Do both, and you’ll be in proper command of what smart home features can offer buyers and pitch them accordingly.
JOHN & BRIDGETTE SCHNEIDWIND
John and Bridgette Schneidwind are a dynamic married real estate team working with Keller Williams and helping clients throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. The team is known for their hard work ethic and dedication to clients, as well as their personal involvement in the community they serve.
Having years of experience in the business, John and Bridgette provide clients with unmatched knowledge and a depth of expertise in the local market, earning them numerous referrals and repeat clients. “Between both of us we have a vast amount of knowledge on the real estate market. We let our clients know what the potential issues might be right away, so that there are no unexpected surprises. That makes them feel confident that they possess the accurate knowledge to go forward with buying or selling a property,” Bridgette says.
John adds, “We also build a great bond with our clients. They know they can trust us, and that we never talk anyone into buying a home. As a matter of fact, we point out all the deficits of the home so that they can make an informed decision. We’re just as invested in this process as the client, and we understand that they might have to see many houses before making their decision, and we’re happy to do that with them. We always want the experience to be positive because this process is already stressful enough.”
One of John’s biggest advantages is his experience working as a firefighter. “I’ve been in this business for a long time, and working as
a firefighter I’ve torn apart a lot of homes, so I know construction inside and out. That type of knowledge definitely helps us guide our clients to make an educated decision.” Both John and Bridgette get the most satisfaction out of assisting clients in finding exactly the right home. “We love when a client walks into a house and immediately starts planning where they’re going to place furniture. That’s how we know we’ve found the right place. And knowing we were part of the process that got them to their dream home is very rewarding,” Bridgette says.
Staying in touch with past clients isn’t an issue for this team, as the close bonds they build with their clients earn them birthday party and wedding invitations. “We constantly communicate with clients through various means, whether it’s via a phone call or social media, we make it a point to stay in touch,” Bridgette says. The effort they put into their work and relationships is evident in their client reviews, which describe them
as having the highest level of professionalism and being “on top of their game the entire time, day or night” as well as “fast, reliable, dedicated, competent, honest, and friendly.” And first time homebuyers rave about their patience and accessibility, as well as making the process easy. “They were kind and empathetic to our needs as first time home buyers. They guided
us every step of the way for buying our home. We have recommended them to everyone we know looking for a home.”
When it comes to marketing they opt for a mix of digital and traditional. On the more traditional side we door knock, call neighbors and invest in flyers and videos. Online they use
several platforms of social media to promote their listings. Their hard work and marketing earn them $10 million in sales volume per year.
For John and Bridgette community involvement is crucial. As a firefighter John participated in the search and rescue efforts during 9/11. They also both belong to Team Rubicon—a disaster relief organization. When they’re not working, they both love to travel and spend time with their five kids and two grandchildren. Going forward John and Bridgette are focused on growing their business. “We want to grow, but it’s also important to us to be able to remain hands-on with all our transactions. We want our clients to feel like they can reach out to us whenever they need to get the answers that they want.” Their daughter, Ashley, has also recently joined their team, and they hope that she will carry on their legacy of client advocacy and hard work in the future.
