How smart home upgrades can help sell your house

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’ve probably heard the basics: fresh paint, boost curb appeal, tidy up. But one upgrade that’s quietly becoming a must-have for homebuyers? Smart home tech.

Adding a few smart devices won’t just modernize your space—it can actually help your home sell faster and for more money. According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), listings with smart home features are seeing increased buyer interest and shorter time on market. Coupled with the potential 3 - 5% increase in sale price for having high-tech features, adding smart home devices like a programmable thermostat or whole house generator can really pay off.

Why smart home features catch buyers’ attention

Smart devices offer convenience, security, and energy savings—three things high on nearly every buyer’s checklist. When someone walks into a home and sees smart lighting or a keyless lock, it sends a signal: this home is updated, cared for, and future-ready.

Data backs this up. A Coldwell Banker survey found that 81% of homebuyers said they’d be more likely to purchase a home if it had smart home products installed. And more than half said smart tech made a home more desirable overall.

The most valuable smart upgrades

You don’t need a high-tech overhaul to make an impact. Focus on a few reliable, buyer-friendly devices that can make your listing stand out:

• Smart Locks – Keyless entry makes life easier and more secure. It also simplifies showings—no hiding spare keys or dealing with lockboxes.
• Smart Thermostats – Buyers love energy efficiency. A programmable thermostat that can adjust itself based on occupancy or weather is a big selling point.
• Smart Lighting – Timed, motion-activated, or app-controlled lights add comfort and can even improve perceived safety.
• Video Doorbells & Security Cameras – These show buyers that the home is already set up for protection—without monthly fees or complicated systems.
• Smart Garage Door Openers – Small upgrade, big convenience. Let’s face it, no one likes turning the car around to check if the garage was closed.

Move-in ready is the goal

Move-in ready homes tend to get more offers and can often command a higher price. A new study by Zillow found that buyers are seeking out move-in ready properties, with remodeled homes getting 26% more daily saves and 30% more daily shares than similar homes. On top of that, Zillow found that buyers are willing to pay 3.7% more than expected for updated homes.

With home buyers on the lookout for already remodeled and updated homes, when they see a home that’s already equipped with smart features, it feels like one less thing to think about. Even better, when those devices are already set up and working, they can see them in action during a showing.

See how a few smart upgrades can help boost your home value without the cost of a full renovation.

Remember, keep it simple and compatible

Buyers should feel confident that they can connect and control everything without needing a technical background. If you plan to update your home before selling, stick with smart devices that are intuitive and widely compatible with platforms like Google Home, Apple Home, and Alexa. And if possible, leave behind manuals or a simple guide to help the next owner get started—it shows thoughtfulness and makes the transition even smoother.

Smart home features aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore. They’re becoming a standard expectation. Whether you’re installing a smart lock or upgrading your thermostat, a few simple changes can go a long way in helping your home sell faster and feel more modern to today’s buyers.