More than 80 million smart home devices were delivered last year, a 64 percent increase from the previous year. Even with the rapid growth, 2017 is expected to be even better for new home tech.
CNBC reports that more consumers are learning how to use smart devices such as cameras, thermostats, door locks, smoke detectors, and personal home assistants. Larger service providers such as Comcast, AT&T, and Vivint are working with smaller tech manufacturers to enhance interconnection between devices and systems.
Buyers now expect smart home devices to be incorporated in new construction, but not in existing homes. Buyers still won’t pay a premium for the technology, and a full smart home is still an overwhelming concept to many.
"I think it's definitely an opportunity for the electronics companies to educate them more that this could be a savings, not just simplicity and making your life easier and being able to use your phone to do everything," said Maryland real estate agent Theresa Taylor. "I think if they knew the benefits about how it could save them money, it would be a more attractive feature and instead of being at the bottom of the list of what people want, it would probably move up to the middle."
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