Security is often a very high priority for homebuyers. Is the house in a good neighborhood? Do people feel safe there? With just a few safety upgrades, you can put the potential buyer’s mind at ease and quickly boost the saleability of the home.
If you’re looking for ideas, the following three upgrades can really benefit you and your clients.
1. Security cameras
A National Association of Home Builders survey found that 40 percent of homebuyers would like security cameras in their next house. Security cameras are a great way to create a feeling of safety in the home, and options are plentiful, so make sure you know the differences between them and the benefits each one has to offer.
Some insurance companies give discounts on homeowner’s insurance if a security system is installed in the home (even up to 20 percent), and the more discounts you can show buyers, the better.
Keep in mind that security cameras aren’t always perceived as a good thing — they may be a red flag for some buyers, signaling that something may have occurred in or near the home to warrant the extra security measure. To counter this perspective, explain that security cameras increase safety regardless of whether or not something happened in the past.
2. Full security systems
In addition to cameras, having a full, up-to-date security system can increase the perceived value of a home. Some areas value security systems more than others, but insurance companies, again, are more likely to give discounts if the house is equipped with a full security system.
Whether the owners are at home, at work or on vacation, they’ll have peace of mind knowing their house is being monitored and their belongings are safe.
To further benefit your clients, know which security companies and systems have what features so you can answer questions and highlight product perks in your sales pitch. If a client is especially interested in a home security system, you can easily improve their homebuying experience by providing them with these details.
3. Smart alarms
According to a joint survey by Coldwell Banker and CNET, “81 percent of those who have smart home products would be more likely to buy a home if smart technology was already installed.”
Smart home tech can include a security system, internal and external cameras, a central hub and an app that allows users to view camera feeds and recorded security video. If the system detects a disturbance, the smart alarms go off and immediately alert the homeowner and authorities of the incident.
Many affordable, easy-to-install smart systems on the market can turn any house into a smart home, increasing its value. As long as the systems are up-to-date and well-maintained, they can save homeowners more money in the long run.
Scott Bay is a digital journalist who reports on the latest technology trends, focusing specifically on travel, home and AI topics. He has written for Venture Beat, Men’s Health and ITS.
