You’ve got your bags all packed and running late to catch the next flight out to Abu Dhabi. The dogs are boarded, kids are at grandmas with dad thousands of miles away, and the HOV lanes are wide open – bring it on world!
You finally get through security at the airport, and everything is running smoothly. Except, it occurs to you that you forgot to lock the front door and turn off the air – how inexplicably frustrating! But, without hesitation, you whip out your iPhone, open your secure home management app, and with a few swipes, turn down the air and lock all of the doors. For added security, you program the lights to turn on at 7:30pm every evening for the next 7 days while you and the family travel. Welcome to the world of Remote Home Management.
In this article – The future of home management: leading smart remote technologies that attract homebuyers and increase home value – we talk about some of the latest tech that is transforming analog homes into modern digital marvels, and pose the question/debate of whether these types of technologies could attract homebuyers – especially millennials.
1. Remote Locking and Notifications
Whether you’re looking to monitor traffic in and out of your home, or a traveller seeking added remote management tools, having an app-driven mobile locking system can give you great peace of mind.
Receive notifications when someone enters your home or uses the keypad, lock the door anywhere, and unlock the door when a contractor comes to service the house while you’re at work. Whatever the case, we believe this type of technology differentiates a home and is an inexpensive way to add value to it.
2. Remote Thermostat and Lighting Control
Just as impressive as remote locking is remote thermostat and lighting control. Maybe you want to set the lights to come on at a specific time (e.g. when you come home from work or while you are traveling), or want to conserve energy by only turning on the air conditioning an hour before coming home.
With smart thermostats and switches attached to your lights, you can do just about anything with from the palm of your hand. Additionally, this type of technology can switch on when you perform certain tasks, such as when the alarm is enabled or disabled, or when the front door opens. It’s your choice. Regardless of that choice, having these types of home features add tremendous value to a home and are relatively inexpensive.
3. Remote Home Surveillance
Okay, we admit, kind of creepy. The cynic says that maybe you’ve put a little too much trust in the cleaning lady, or you are away on vacation and wanting to see if your teenager is planning to throw a keg party. The naïve say you can never be too cautious, especially with children around, and maybe the camera can be used to deter burglars or home invaders, and keep the family safe. Whatever the reason, it can now all be done remotely via a mobile device.
With the ability to monitor live video footage from your mobile phone and receive notifications when motion is detected, having a remote camera system is not only a great way to keep an eye on the home from a distance, but also helpful when away for long periods of time, such as vacation. This type of technology certainly attracts homebuyers and is definitely on our list for adding value to your home.
4. Remote Appliance and Systems Control
We have no idea why you would want to lower the temperature of your freezer or turn on the television when you walk into a room, but emerging technologies from manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung are making this possible. Additional features have the capability to turn on sprinklers, ceiling fans, and home audio.
This type of gadgetry mix-up is what we believe to be one of the hottest ways to increase home value. As more and more millennial’s buy homes, we will start to see a increasing trend in service providers looking to help homeowners take a dull, boring home, and turn it into an digitally connected environment. And, we won’t say anything bad about it – because this type of technology is not only really awesome, but also relevant in a world where being digitally connected is becoming the norm.
5. Sensors
Sensors are starting to be put in everything we own, from shoes and shirts, to cars and sporting equipment. Now manufacturers such as LG, nest, and Alima are creating air and water purifiers, beds, lights, and personal electronics that can sense when a warm body is present and magically turn them on. Some sensors even include gyroscopes, magnetometers, and accelerometers, in case you find the need to “nerd out” or find yourself travelling through time.
But in all honesty, sensors can be great. Kid’s aren’t always the best at turning off lights, so installing sensors in a bedroom/playroom might just be the solution. Or, maybe a member of the family has severe allergies. Connect the air purifier with your phone to get the latest updates on air particulates captured, and receive up-to-date recommendations on cleaning. Cool, right?
Conclusion
The possibilities for staying connected and automating your home are endless. One thing is for certain; incorporating these technologies into your home differentiates it from others, which increases its’ value at a very minimal cost. Maybe the value is hard to see, but we are all wooed by technology without sometimes understanding why. But, that is the alluring power of the futuristic, remote managed home – right?
