Techs that Detect: A Smarter Way to Keep your Home Safe

Consider some of these new smart home security options on display at CES 2018

<– BACK TO CES.COLDWELLBANKER.COM

The following post is a guest contribution from Angel Piontek, Associate Broker and VP of Marketing for Coldwell Banker Elite in Fredericksburg, VA

A routine security check happens at every home at the end of each day.  Are the doors locked?  Was the garage door closed after letting the dog out one last time? Is that alarm set? Peace of mind doesn’t always come cheap but with the emergence of connected devices, you have some incredible options. You no longer have to invest in a whole home security system to keep you safe nor does it require professional installation.

I attended CES this month and was struck by how much innovative technology is available to keep our homes safe.  Safety and security are usually at the top of every homeowner’s list so this isn’t surprising. It not only keeps your home and belongings safe, more importantly, it keeps the people you love safe.

SPIDEY SENSE SECURITY

There are some incredible products out there that allow us to monitor our homes from anywhere, but it will also alert us if something is amiss.  We have the ability to receive alerts before an incident occurs.  Honeywell’s all-in-one security system has facial recognition that will let you know if there’s a person in the house that it doesn’t recognize.  No more house parties for your teen when you’re out of town!  Somfy’s outdoor camera with detection software called SomfyVision knows if it there’s a car, animal or a person within its field of view.  If a person lingers within range of the camera, it will deliver a customizable voice message. If they don’t leave within a predetermined amount of time, a 110-decibel siren will sound.  This technology minimizes false alarm notifications and you can literally deliver a message to “GET OUT OF MY YARD!”  The camera will be available in late 2018.

PEACE OF MIND IS AN INVESTMENT

Home security is a natural entry into the smart home space for a lot of homeowners.  We have been accustomed to paying for security systems long before the Internet of Things came into existence.  Most consumers will pay more for products that offer safety and security because at its core, they are paying for peace of mind.

DON’T FORGET YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FOR SAVINGS

If you have a home security system, you already know that you may be eligible for discounts on your monthly homeowners’ insurance bill.  These savings add up over time.  If you’re shopping for a new smart home security system, some insurance companies have partnered with companies like Canary and ADT to bring you discounted pricing.

There are many options for connected home security that range from full professional installation to DIY solutions.  These products include smart locks, lighting, motion detectors, window sensors, and cameras.  Devices like smart locks allow us to stop doing silly things like leaving a key under a door mat – as if no one knows to check there!  You can buy products based on your actual need and protecting your home has never been easier.

SELLING YOUR SMART HOME

If you are selling a home with any of these smart home security devices, make sure you work with an agent who knows how to properly market the home.  An agent who is smart home certified knows what buyers are looking for, how to enhance the marketing of your home to achieve the most impact in the market, they can also give you advice on what to watch out for.  For more information on why you should consider partnering with an agent who knows smart home, check out my post “One Thing Agents Aren’t Talking About.”


If you’re already affiliated with Coldwell Banker and want to learn more about our Smart Home initiative, visit CB Exchange and search “Smart Home.”

If you would like to know what Coldwell Banker agents have access to, head to coldwellbanker.com/join and explore the possibilities of moving your business to Coldwell Banker.

Senior Manager, Public Relations & Giving for Coldwell Banker. Grew up in Sarasota and attended college at Western Carolina University. Athena wanted to wake up in that city that doesn’t sleep so headed to Madison Avenue to start her marketing career. She has been with this awesome brand for more than 15 years and can be found generating buzz about CB in every way possible. Athena helps to grow the brand’s position as the most storied real estate company within the industry and has led many high-profile endeavors; she was at the forefront of the brand’s pioneering smart home campaign, raised $6 million in two years to build 130 Habitat for Humanity homes, and led the Homes for Dogs program in partnership with Adopt-a-Pet.com that resulted in tens-of-thousands of dogs finding their furever home. She currently leads the CB Supports St. Jude program, which encourages the Coldwell Banker network’s 96,000+ real estate agents to make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for every real estate transaction they represent. In her spare time, you can find her either digging up a new area in her yard for another flower bed or planning her next travel adventure. She's the proud mom of three cats Jolene, Ziggy and Lucy.

Subscribe to Blue Matter and get the latest updates

Leave a Reply

Share on Facebook Share on Twiiter Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram Share on Email