Home-buyers and sellers are showing increasing desire for smart homes and smart home technology, based on the inaugural Smart Homes and REALTORS® report recently released by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). REALTORS®, in turn, are seeking certifications to indicate experience with smart homes.
“More homeowners are adopting smart-home technology and that will likely impact buyers’ purchase decisions in the future,” says NAR President William E. Brown. “While consumer interest in this trend is still developing, REALTORS® are becoming well-versed in successfully marketing smart homes and their features, such as devices and appliances.”
Smart Homes Need Smarter REALTORS®
Based on responses from REALTORS®, the report found:
Most clients find smart privacy and security features as “somewhat” or “very important.”
Some clients find smart lights, locks and thermostats being “very important.”
Some consumers are neutral about smart appliances, doorbells and voice control features.
Consumers are most interested, based on the report, in smart home devices over whole home or specific room technology. Approximately 50 % of clients, however, are not sure of what’s available in terms of smart home technology-about 40 % of REALTORS® reported having smart home-related discussions with their clients. 41% of clients, markedly, are not interested in smart home technology at all.
42% of REALTORS®, at the same time, are seeking a smart home certification as a result of client interest. Most (47%) are REALTORS® over 55 years old.
NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Technology (CRT) plans to use the report to benchmark its efforts in educating members on smart home technology, helping REALTORS® along with their clients better understand the market, together with advocate for safe use of smart devices.
“As smart home technologies evolve, it’s extremely important that our members are aware of what’s available and what advantages and challenges these devices provide,” says Mark Lesswing, chief technology officer at NAR. “The work we’re doing at NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Technology is key to this understanding. This report helps us understand how our work is impacting our members.”
Rest assured that when the certification becomes available Nick & Cindy Davis will be obtaining the certification. However, for now we would say that having upgraded our own home with several “Smart Home” Features, that assists us in helping you our clients today. So if you need our assistance in finding you and your family your new home.
Remember we are always just a click here or call to 813-300-7116 away.