Smart Homes

January 18, 2020 | By IMMA GIOCOLI

Smart Home

 

The evolution of technology has had a big effect on our day to day lives.

The speed at which technology has evolved and continues to do so is astonishing. In this day and age, we have come to use the term 'smart home'. What are smart homes in general? Often, we tend to forget just how much we actually depend on our smartphones and how much of our lives we put out there. The world has grown into such a digital platform, that even our homes are starting to evolve into a smart device. The demand for owning a smart home continues to grow as we progress into the future.

What is a Smart Home?

As technology improved, our lifestyles adapted as a result. Smartphones are getting faster, smarter and sleeker. Moreover, this digitalization is gradually moving onto our home lives as well. What does this translate to? More and more homes are adopting smart home features. For example, a home that relies on smart technology enables its residents to rely on their home automation system along with its functions. These functions, whether basic or more developed, provide the ability to control certain aspects and devices of the house. Aspects such as home security, light and temperature control, or even music can all be controlled via a smart home. The interesting concept within this new wave is that it has both pros and cons.

Smart Home Abilities and Doubts

Control your smart home features through your phone.

Big improvements are often presented as something very positive. Every time technology evolved, all of us would be amazed at the fact. For example, each time the new Apple phone came out, everyone's reaction would be: "What will they think of next!" or "Wow that's new!". Technological improvements do make certain aspects of our lives easier, or at least simpler. Even if we were to compare life a decade ago, we would notice how our lifestyles have adapted and changed. However, as with every advance in technology, while there are things that are good about it, there are also things that might not be so good.

The Pros of Smart Technology

No matter your location, you can easily set your desired temperature even when you aren't home.

Let's imagine a situation. It is Monday evening, and you on your way home from work. You remember that you turned the temperature in the house down as you would be away most of the day. Then you go on your phone and you set the temperature of your house up, so that it warms up by the time you arrive. Once you go through the doors of your smart home, you ask your house to turn on the lights. Maybe your hands are full since you are carrying groceries you just purchased. Your smart device turns the lights on for you and saves you the trouble of placing your groceries down, turning on the lights, picking the groceries up again and going to the kitchen. Well wasn't that much simpler and more efficient? Of course, it was. Smart homes help with the most basic things and allow us to control these basic aspects either through our smartphones or by just talking to the smart device.

While we sit amazed at the fact that we are in control of our house and everything in it, are we really though? Alexa, turn on the television. Hey Google, what's the temperature like outside? As a result, the device replies or answers to your command. This is where that 'but' moment sneaks upon us. As easy and simple smart devices make our lives, in order for them to work they also collect data at the same time. This causes a privacy issue down the road, because you don't really know when your smart home might actually be recording everything you say or do.

The Digital Age

The technological aspects of smart homes will always have their positive and negative elements. It is also a preference. Nowadays the demand for smart homes is growing, and it does affect the prices on the real estate market. A home that has smart home features can definitely amp up the price of a home. People lead such busy lives today that anything that can ease their lifestyle at home, they want it.

In addition, installing a security system in the house can also help you place it higher on the market. Buyers often want a hassle-free move; therefore - addition of an already installed security system can be a selling point. From smart thermometers, to smart kitchen appliances and control over every room within your home, your house can grow in value.

Real Estate Shopping

A smart home with smart features can make your life at home simpler.

If you are looking to purchase a home with smart home features, ensure that your budget allows you to do so. A move-in-ready house lowers the stress of relocation. If you require help, or simply want a hassle-free move, you can always ask for assistance to speed up your Manhattan move!

Sometimes, outside help is necessary. You can provide yourself with enough time to take better care of other aspects of moving, while Staten Island based professionals help you settle in! Once you have the moving company taking care of relocation affairs, you can relax and focus on the inside of your smart home and features you want in it.

Be a Smart Homeowner or Not?

As we have mentioned previously, a smart home is a personal preference. Our suggestion is to do the research if you are unfamiliar with it before you make any final decisions. Perhaps you know someone who relies on their smart home features. Ask them for advice or just listen to their perspective. Both the pros and cons could have arguing sides, as with anything. Technology will keep on evolving, and it's up to you to decide how much input or participation you want to have.

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