“How Smart Home Features Are Changing What Buyers Want”

In today’s real estate market, what buyers are looking for is shifting — and one of the biggest catalysts of that shift is smart-home technology. When someone tours a home now, they’re not only judging the number of bedrooms, the yard, or the schools — they’re wondering: Does this home offer smart features that deliver convenience, security, efficiency and future-proofing?

Smart Home Technology — The Basics

“Smart home features” encompass devices and systems connected via the internet (or local network) that allow monitoring, automation or remote control of functions such as lighting, heating/cooling, security, appliances and more. Examples include a smart thermostat, video doorbell, automated locks, voice-controlled lighting, or whole-home hubs. nar.realtor+2burrowes.com+2

The smart-home market is growing fast: in the U.S., the smart-home market is projected to grow from about US $33.26 billion in 2025 to nearly US $99.40 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of ~17%. fortunebusinessinsights.com

For a realtor, understanding that a home’s “tech capability” affects buyer interest and value is increasingly part of your toolkit.

What Buyers Are Looking For — How Preferences Are Evolving

Here are key motivators behind why smart features matter in buying decisions:

• Convenience & Control – Buyers want homes that adapt to their lifestyles: controlling lights or temperature from a phone, remote security checks, automations.

• Energy Efficiency & Sustainability – Smart thermostats, energy monitoring systems, smart lighting and other features contribute to lower utility bills and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Claritas LLC+1

• Security & Safety – Smart locks, video doorbells, remotely monitored systems: strong motivators for buyers wanting peace of mind.

• Wellness & Future-Proofing – As buyers think longer term, homes that integrate smart tech feel more “ready” for future tastes, aging in place, convenience.

• Value & Resale Considerations – Buyers increasingly view smart features as value-add. Homes marketed with “smart home” wording: faster sales, greater appeal. har.com+1

Evidence That Smart Home Features Influence Buying Decisions

• According to one real-estate blog, homes with thoughtfully integrated smart technology “are selling faster and for higher prices.” raleighrealty.com

• When features like smart thermostats, locks, lighting controls are included (or at least listed), buyer interest is stronger. har.com+1

• Smart home devices are now showing up more frequently in listing descriptions, suggesting that sellers and agents recognize their marketing value. Real Simple

Implications for Sellers & Listing Strategy

If you’re representing a seller, here’s how to leverage this trend:

• Highlight Smart Features – Make sure your listing mentions smart thermostat, video doorbell, smart lighting, whole-home hub, etc. Buyers skip over homes that look “tech-less.”

• Focus on Integration, Not Just Gadgets – A standalone smart thermostat is good, but a home that has many systems integrated and easy to use offers higher perceived value.

• Don’t Over-Invest in Gimmicks – Only upgrade where the cost is reasonable relative to market value. A $20K custom system may not recoup. Some buyers see flashy tech as a liability if it’s complicated. The Sun

• Staging & Demonstration – During showings, allow the smart features to be demonstrated: lighting scenes, security app, controllability. Makes the tech tangible.

• Prepare Buyers for Simplicity – Many buyers aren’t tech experts. Make sure systems are user-friendly, documented, and not overly complicated. Complexity can turn off buyers. market-xcel.com

Implications for Buyers

If you’re working with buyer clients:

• Ask the Right Questions – “What smart features does this home have?” “Are they integrated or piecemeal?” “How old is the system? Is it proprietary or open-platform?”

• Compatibility & Future Upgrades – Smart tech evolves fast. A system locked into an outdated platform may limit future upgrades.

• Cost vs Benefit – While smart features can add value, some are more about convenience than resale value. Ensure the tech adds real value to your lifestyle.

• Maintenance & Support – Who maintains the system? Is there a service contract? How well documented is it for the next owner?

• Resale Considerations – When it comes time to sell, buyers will expect tech readiness. Homes that are tech-ready may command higher interest.

Looking Ahead — Where Smart Home Technology Is Going

We’re seeing trends toward:

• AI & Predictive Automation – Systems that learn patterns (temperature, lighting, security events) and anticipate needs. Homes and Gardens

• Wellness-Centric Tech – Air quality sensors, circadian lighting, water quality monitoring, integrated health & home systems.

• Sustainability & Efficiency – Smart tech tied to solar, battery storage, efficient HVAC, integrated energy monitoring.

• Interconnectivity / Whole-Home Systems – Not just individual devices, but platforms that link everything (security, climate, entertainment, lighting) for seamless experience.

• Value-Driven Adoption – As buyers expect more tech, homes lacking these features may start to look dated, and value perception may shift accordingly.

Conclusion

The takeaway? Smart home features are no longer just “nice extras” — for many buyers, they’re an expected part of the modern home. For sellers, aligning your home (or listing) with those expectations can mean more buyer interest, faster sales and potentially higher value. For buyers, smart features can contribute to comfort, efficiency and long-term satisfaction — but they also warrant thoughtful consideration and due diligence.

If you’re in the Houston market (or any market) and want to evaluate how your home stacks up in the smart-tech department (or which smart upgrades make sense before you list), I’d be happy to collaborate and provide a tech-checklist or upgrade guide. Let’s talk.