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Do smart homes have higher resale value or does it hurt?
Husband insists that the more smart stuff we put in our home the higher the resale value. We already have the doorbell, thermostat, garage door, and locks. Are these things that increase the value? i feel like it is more work because we have to replace batteries and when we are offline they are super annoying.
Asked By Libby K | Madison, WI | 27 views | Selling | Updated 1 day ago
Answers (7)
Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Smart tech is a "Value Tie-Breaker," not a massive price booster. Standardized tech like smart thermostats, Ring doorbells, and leak detectors help a home sell faster because they imply the home is well-maintained. However, proprietary or overly complex systems that require a subscription or a "tech degree" to operate can actually hurt you by intimidating older buyers.
- 1 day ago
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Freddie Gomberg
Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach Realtors
Smart home features can be nice to have, but they usually don’t increase the resale value as much as people think. In most cases, buyers see things like smart doorbells, thermostats, locks, and garage controls as conveniences, not upgrades they’re willing to pay significantly more for.
What they can do is make the home feel more modern and well cared for, which can help with buyer interest, but they typically won’t raise the appraised value the way a kitchen update, new roof, or renovated bathroom would.
There are a few things I see consistently with buyers:
1. Basic smart features are expected now
A smart thermostat or video doorbell is nice, but many buyers assume they can add those themselves for a few hundred dollars.
2. Too much tech can actually be a negative
If the system is complicated, requires apps, passwords, or constant maintenance, some buyers see it as one more thing they’ll have to deal with after moving in.
3. Reliability matters more than gadgets
Buyers care more about things like newer HVAC, roof, windows, and appliances than how many smart devices the house has.
4. Keep it simple when selling
Homes tend to show best when everything works easily without needing instructions. If buyers feel like they need a manual just to turn on the lights, it can hurt more than help.
In my experience, smart features are great for convenience while you live there, but they rarely add significant resale value. Solid maintenance, clean condition, and updated kitchens and baths usually make a much bigger difference when it comes time to sell.
What they can do is make the home feel more modern and well cared for, which can help with buyer interest, but they typically won’t raise the appraised value the way a kitchen update, new roof, or renovated bathroom would.
There are a few things I see consistently with buyers:
1. Basic smart features are expected now
A smart thermostat or video doorbell is nice, but many buyers assume they can add those themselves for a few hundred dollars.
2. Too much tech can actually be a negative
If the system is complicated, requires apps, passwords, or constant maintenance, some buyers see it as one more thing they’ll have to deal with after moving in.
3. Reliability matters more than gadgets
Buyers care more about things like newer HVAC, roof, windows, and appliances than how many smart devices the house has.
4. Keep it simple when selling
Homes tend to show best when everything works easily without needing instructions. If buyers feel like they need a manual just to turn on the lights, it can hurt more than help.
In my experience, smart features are great for convenience while you live there, but they rarely add significant resale value. Solid maintenance, clean condition, and updated kitchens and baths usually make a much bigger difference when it comes time to sell.
- 1 day ago
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Becky Groe
Coldwell Banker Realty, Colorado Springs
This is a great question, and both of you are a little right. Smart home features usually don’t add a large amount to the appraised value of a home, but they can absolutely help with marketability and buyer interest, which can indirectly help your resale.
Most smart features today are considered more of a bonus feature rather than something that adds dollar-for-dollar value like a kitchen remodel or new roof would.
Features buyers tend to like most include:
• Smart thermostats (energy savings appeal)
• Video doorbells and security systems
• Smart locks
• Smart garage door openers
• Basic smart lighting
These can help a home feel more modern and convenient, which can make a good impression during showings.
Where I usually advise sellers to be careful is with:
• Overly complex systems
• Highly customized automation
• Technology that requires special apps or learning curves
• Systems that are difficult to transfer to a new owner
Most buyers like smart features when they are simple, intuitive, and easy to reset.
From a resale strategy perspective, upgrades that usually have a stronger impact on value are things like:
• Updated kitchens and bathrooms
• Flooring improvements
• Paint and cosmetic updates
• Roof or HVAC condition
• Curb appeal
Smart features tend to fall more into the category of nice extras rather than major value drivers.
If you already have the basics like a smart thermostat, locks, and doorbell, you’re probably in a good spot. Adding more isn’t usually necessary unless it improves daily convenience for you while you live there.
A good rule of thumb I often share is:
Make upgrades you’ll personally enjoy while living there, and treat smart technology as a bonus feature rather than a primary investment strategy.
Most smart features today are considered more of a bonus feature rather than something that adds dollar-for-dollar value like a kitchen remodel or new roof would.
Features buyers tend to like most include:
• Smart thermostats (energy savings appeal)
• Video doorbells and security systems
• Smart locks
• Smart garage door openers
• Basic smart lighting
These can help a home feel more modern and convenient, which can make a good impression during showings.
Where I usually advise sellers to be careful is with:
• Overly complex systems
• Highly customized automation
• Technology that requires special apps or learning curves
• Systems that are difficult to transfer to a new owner
Most buyers like smart features when they are simple, intuitive, and easy to reset.
From a resale strategy perspective, upgrades that usually have a stronger impact on value are things like:
• Updated kitchens and bathrooms
• Flooring improvements
• Paint and cosmetic updates
• Roof or HVAC condition
• Curb appeal
Smart features tend to fall more into the category of nice extras rather than major value drivers.
If you already have the basics like a smart thermostat, locks, and doorbell, you’re probably in a good spot. Adding more isn’t usually necessary unless it improves daily convenience for you while you live there.
A good rule of thumb I often share is:
Make upgrades you’ll personally enjoy while living there, and treat smart technology as a bonus feature rather than a primary investment strategy.
- 4 hours ago
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Phong Tran
Real Broker
Smart features like a video doorbell, thermostat, garage door opener, and smart locks can make your home feel more modern and appealing, but they usually don’t add meaningful appraised value they’re more of a convenience and marketing bonus than a price booster buyers expect them in some homes but won’t typically pay a premium for them especially if they’re glitchy or high maintenance in fact overly complicated setups or things that don’t work smoothly can turn buyers off so simple reliable systems tend to help more than going all in on smart tech. I would always consult your agent on what is necessary.
- 1 day ago
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Jordana Jared Proctor
Keller Willams Westfield
Your instinct is closer to reality. Smart features usually don’t raise the appraised value in any meaningful way they’re more of a “nice bonus” than something buyers pay extra for.
What they can do is make your home feel more updated and easier to sell, especially things like a smart thermostat or video doorbell. But going overboard can backfire if it feels complicated or high-maintenance.
Simple, reliable upgrades = good. A house full of apps, batteries, and quirks = not so much.
What they can do is make your home feel more updated and easier to sell, especially things like a smart thermostat or video doorbell. But going overboard can backfire if it feels complicated or high-maintenance.
Simple, reliable upgrades = good. A house full of apps, batteries, and quirks = not so much.
- 1 day ago
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Emily Matthews
RE/MAX Universal Realty
NOPE. "Cost does not equal value." Will an appraiser allow more value for a specific thermostat or lock? Highly unlikely. What "get points" in WI are: HW floor, FP, patio, finishes (e.g. nicely done rec room vs one with paneling & ceiling tiles), number of bathrooms, replacement windows, new roof...
- 1 day ago
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Smart home features can help a home’s resale appeal, but they typically add more marketability than actual value. Basics like a smart thermostat, doorbell camera, locks, and garage opener are seen as desirable and can help a home sell faster or feel more updated, but they usually don’t significantly increase the appraised value. Adding too much automation can actually turn some buyers off due to maintenance, Wi-Fi dependence, and complexity. The best approach is to keep a few practical, easy-to-use features while avoiding over-investing in extensive smart systems, as buyers still prioritize location, condition, and overall layout far more than technology.
- 1 day ago
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