How Home Security Systems Can Impact Home Buying and Selling
As a real estate agent dedicated to selling clients’ homes, you know every homeowner is unique. From how they interact with you to their reasons for selling the house to the upgrades and features they installed while residing there, every client has different concerns and expectations from you, their trusted real estate agent. Some sellers are not ready to extend that trust to potential buyers in their house while they are away.
As a result, homeowners may choose to use their smart home security systems and indoor cameras to peek in on prospective buyers listening to their conversations about the house and making sure they don’t overstep their welcome. However, these extreme measures can have grave impacts and ultimately compromise the sale.
A smart home security system offers more than just checking in on showings at a house. It also allows homeowners to customize home settings and control them from nearly anywhere. This includes door and window alarms, security cameras, and being able to lock and unlock doors automatically. A smart security system also lets owners see what is happening on their property or who is at the front door, even when they are not home.
Pros of selling a home with a smart security system
Selling a house with a smart home security system installed offers several perks to prospective buyers if you, the agent, market it with the right strategy. Consider sharing these benefits with prospective buyers to help close the deal.
It’s an investment your buyer doesn’t have to make.
Installing a smart security system can cost homeowners on average $1,405 upfront, which is double the amount of a basic security system, according to Parks Associates. This is a significant cost saving for new homeowners that are interested in a home security device.
Explain the benefits.
Automation and technology are intended to make life easier, not more overwhelming. That is why you need to show potential buyers how the technology would work in their life. For instance, if they leave the house but can’t remember if they closed the garage door, the smart technology would allow them to see that without having to return home to check. Similarly, lights and temperature can be controlled from other areas in the house.
Be a resource to clients by offering them a way to save money.
Saving money is a goal for many these days, and a smart security system helps homeowners with that in a few ways. First, being able to control temperatures, or know when the door is ajar, helps control energy costs. In addition, some insurance carriers offer discounts on home insurance premiums for having security systems in place.
Clients who feel that their agent is on their side and just not looking to close a quick deal may be more inclined to use your services and buy properties from you now and again in the future.
Paint the picture of being elite.
A smart security system is an elite perk and should be marketed as such. For some people, being on the cutting-edge with technology and devices could be appealing and help seal a deal. It was found that 86% of millennials would pay more for increased technology, like automated features—understanding this could also help when determining which properties to show your clients.
Selling a house with a smart home security system can be attractive to potential buyers, especially those who appreciate technology. Just be aware of the pitfalls and focus on how a smart home security system adds both convenience and an extra layer of protection for your buyers.
About the Author
Maxime Croll is an insurance expert and Product Manager at ValuePenguin. Educating and assisting shoppers about financial products is her focus and passion. She has been featured on Newsmax, ThriveGlobal and Forbes Business Development Council.
