From buyers to builders, lighting to security, smart technologies for the home have become a common selling point
It wasn’t all that many years ago when the idea of smart homes existed primarily in the realm science fiction and tech moguls. Not anymore. The accessibility of technologies like Alexa, Ring and Nest has us all talking to our rooms, monitoring our doorsteps and changing the thermostat with the tap of an app.
Smart home features now run the gamut from simple devices and subscription services to fully integrated systems that pair software or cloud-based data with a home’s physical space. Today, many home buyers are looking for these amenities or at least hoping to integrate them into their day-to-day lives with relative ease.
“People love being able to use an app on their phone to control everything from lighting and security systems to temperature and irrigation,” explains Virginia Beach-based real estate agent Jennifer Cool with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – RW Towne Realty.
“Of course, there is the element of energy savings and efficiency,” Cool says. “But it’s also about convenience. If you can put dinner in the oven and set it to start cooking while you’re out picking up the kids from soccer practice, that saves you time and stress.”
We asked Cool to tell us about some of the most common types of smart home technologies offering comfort and convenience for homeowners in today’s market.
—Leona Baker
SMART HOME TECHNOLOGIES TO WATCH
By Jennifer Cool
Smart home technology has updated and adapted the way we live, offering convenience, security and energy efficiency. Below are some examples of smart home technology available today:
Smart Lighting
Control the lights in your home remotely with your smartphone or voice commands. Easily set schedules, adjust brightness, and change colors to create the perfect look for a room at different times of day. Examples include Philips Hue and LIFX bulbs.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust automatically to save energy. They can be controlled with an app remotely and provide energy usage reports. Examples include NestThermostat and Ecobee SmartThermostat.
Smart Security Systems
Cameras, motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and smart locks. These systems provide real-time alerts and allow you to monitor your home remotely. Some examples are Ring, Arlo and SimpliSafe.
Smart Home Assistants
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit can control smart devices, play music, provide weather updates, help you shop or organize systems.
Smart Appliances
Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and coffee makers can now be connected to the internet. They offer features like remote monitoring, scheduling, and even voice control. Examples include Samsung SmartThings and LG SmartThinQ.
Smart Plugs and Outlets
Control non-smart appliances remotely for example turning on/off lights, fans, and other devices using your smartphone or voice commands. Examples include TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs and Wemo Mini Smart Plug.
Smart Entertainment Systems
Smart TVs, speakers, and streaming devices are a necessity. They can be controlled via apps or voice commands and work in tandem with other smart home devices. Popular options include Roku, Sonos and Apple TV.
Smart Water Leak Detectors
Detect water leaks with alerts to your phone. Examples include the Honeywell Home Water Leak and Freeze Detector and the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff.
Smart Doorbells
Talk to visitors at your door from inside the home or remote. They include features like motion detection and night vision. Popular options include the Ring Video Doorbell and the Nest Hello.
Smart Energy Monitors
Energy monitors like Sense and Neurio track your home’s energy usage in real time. They provide detailed insights into which devices are consuming the most energy and suggest ways to reduce consumption.
Smart Solar Panels
Integrating solar panels with smart technology allows you to monitor and optimize the energy produced and consumed in your home. Systems like the Tesla Solar Roof and LG Solar offer efficient solar solutions.
Smart Blinds and Shades
Open and close based on the time of day, helping regulate indoor temperatures and more efficient heating and cooling. Examples include Lutron Serena Shades and Hunter Douglas.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation systems like RainMachine adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels, reducing water waste.
Smart Power Strips
Automatically shut off power to devices that are in standby mode, to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. Examples include TrickleStar Advanced PowerStrip and APC Smart Plug
Surge Protector.
Jennifer Cool with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – RW Towne Realty is a Coastal Virginia Magazine Top Agent for 2025 (see full list in the print edition or digital flipbook below). She holds the GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute) as well as the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation.
