• Advanced, "smarter" homes appeal to more buyers, get better prices and even sell faster.
  • By 2020, experts estimate that the smart home industry will be worth over $21 billion.
  • Recent research found baby-boomers have three specific smart home technologies on their most-wanted list.

Most real estate agents are pretty savvy these days when it comes to using technology in selling homes. Online marketing, text response systems and apps meant for agents can all help them reach the right buyers for their listings.

But what about technology that actually resides in your listings? With the increasing availability of smart home technology, agents may find the more advanced, “smarter” homes appeal to more buyers, get better prices and even sell faster.

By the numbers

In 2015, market reports valued the “smart” home automation market at $4.4 billion. But by 2020, experts estimate that the smart home industry will be worth over $21 billion. A huge jump in just five years. But there’s more.

A 2016 study found that nearly half of Americans either already own or plan on installing smart home technology. And 70 percent of those who have this type of technology in their home said they’d be more likely to buy another smart home product.

Perhaps most telling is that 72 percent of homeowners aged 18 to 34 would actually pay more — thousands more — for smart home features.

Popular smart home features

Smart home technologies are daily becoming less the exception and more the norm. This is why it’s important for real estate agents to educate themselves about the different technologies, so they can demonstrate them during showings.

Helping you sell

In 2015, 33 percent of agents agreed that homes with smart features sell faster than those without. Although smart features alone may not influence a sale the way a new kitchen or master suite might, they can certainly impress buyers and play a part in the ultimate decision.

As a real estate agent, keeping up on the trends and understanding the smart features in your listings can only help you — and your clients — succeed in the business of buying and selling.

Jackson Cooper is a writer and real estate enthusiast at Jensen and Company. Follow Jensen & Company on Twitter or Facebook.

Email Jackson Cooper

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