By Geoff Ramsey, CRS, GRI
President, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS®
Many of us grew up with the idea that one day we would all be living like the Jetsons’, the 1960s cartoon about a family living in the future – in 2062 to be exact. While we must wait a little longer before closets button our shirts and showers comb our hair, living in Gig City allows residents to truly enjoy available smart home features because of affordable access to the fastest internet in the United States.
Technology has forever changed the way we live in and interact with our homes. Want to save money and time? We all do. Smart technology in homes can do that and help ease anxiety. No more stressing about whether you closed the garage door and if the iron is unplugged – there’s an app for that!
Here are a few ways smart home technology can be utilized:
Security. New products allow homeowners to monitor their homes from a distance – even internationally. Owners can lock doors and turn lights off and on from their mobile app or simply by speaking to a smart device that has voice recognition. It’s not just about keeping the property safe, it’s about keeping homeowners, families, and pets safe. Fire, carbon monoxide, and gas leak alarms that connect to your smartphone provide peace of mind that everything is safe and sound.
Energy Savings. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to program their home’s temperature and adjust it even after they’ve left – avoiding any needless heating or cooling of an empty house. Automated lighting programs allow owners to turn the lights on and off from anywhere in the world. Smart green features have been in high demand for years now. These products not only help the environment but also bring electricity and water bills down, saving you money. Looking to buy? See what’s available using our new “Green Features” filter.
Convenience. One of the main appeals of smart homes is that they can make the homeowner’s life easier. A garage door opener connected to your smartphone and a sprinkler system that syncs with the weather forecast so the lawn is never watered when it’s raining are all features that simplify life. Instead of checking the refrigerator to see if anything is running low, a homeowner can receive a text message from their smart kitchen reminding them to buy eggs.
Although technology provides many benefits, it is important not to lose sight of the risks smart homes can pose to privacy. As smart technology becomes more common, it becomes even more important that the necessary precautions are taken to protect data and privacy. Ask your Realtor for guidance on a smart home checklist so you can stay in control of the privacy and security of your smart home.
Join us August 14 for the Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon, co-hosted with Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga. We will look at how the Chattanooga region has thrived and changed in the past year and what’s to come. Tickets go quickly so purchase yours today: 423.698.8001 or email info@gcar.net.