More smart homes hit the market every day. Read on to get smart home tips for buyers and sellers that will help your home transaction go better for both parties.
What is a smart home?
A smart home allows homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, lights, and other devices remotely using a smartphone or tablet through an internet connection. No matter where you are, if you can connect to the internet, you can manage your smart home. You install the smart home system on a device that’s connected to your home internet. Through it, you can create schedules for devices to turn on and off, control your thermostat and more.
Why would I want one?
According to androidauthority.com, there are four main reasons you’d want a smart home.
- Save energy (and money!)
- Simplify your life
- Improve your home’s security
- Manage the entertainment functions of your home
Click here to read the article and learn more.
Smart home tips for buyers and sellers
Whether you’re buying or selling a smart home, there are several things to keep in mind.
Buyer’s checklist
Request the following smart home system information from the seller.
- Location of the automation programming (i.e. a hub or multiple hubs)
- Whether the seller will be leaving the hub(s)
- Contact information for the person who installed the system
- Documentation of configuration and the routines
- Wiring diagrams and blueprints for all smart devices, speakers, cameras, etc.
Request a complete list of all smart devices that are staying with the home. The list should include the following for each device:
- The location
- Whether the device is wireless or hard-wired
- Communication protocol for wireless devices
- The monthly fee – if there is one
- Contact information for the person who installed it
- Passcode if not reset by seller
- Instruction books or other documents
SELLER’s checklist
Provide the following information about the smart home system.
- Location of the automation programming (i.e. a hub or multiple hubs)
- Any information you can about the hub(s) you’re using if you’re not leaving them behind
- Contact information for the system installer, even if you installed it yourself
- Any documentation you have
- Wiring diagrams and blueprints for all smart devices, speakers, cameras etc.
Prepare a complete list of all smart devices that are staying with the home. The list should include the following for each device:
- The location
- Whether the device is wireless or hard-wired and the wireless communication protocol
- The monthly fee – if there is one
- Contact information for the installer, even if you installed it yourself
- Passcode if you are not resetting it when you leave
- Instruction books or other documents