Realtors® Reveal: 3 Home Tech Features Buyers Most Want

For many homebuyers, home technology is a big selling point. PAR asked Realtors®, “What home tech features do buyers ask for most often?” Here’s what they said. 

Want to share your Realtor® expertise in upcoming articles? Keep an eye out for pop-up questions on JustListed! 

1. Fast Internet 

“Many homebuyers want access to fast internet to work from home,” says Bill Hench, a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors®. 

In a tech-filled age, it’s no surprise that homebuyers want a fast, reliable internet connection. Recent data shows that 96% of U.S. adults use the internet, and with over 34 million Americans working remotely, the need for at-home internet access is higher than ever. 

2. Smart Thermostats 

“Being in a market where 50% of our inventory is pre-1950, there is not always a lot of inherent tech in our clients’ homes,” notes Jolen Brennan with the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors®. “For the older stock, the most common tech request is smart thermostats, such as Nest, to save money on more customizable HVAC temperatures and schedules. New construction buyers are looking for whole-home tech, controlling everything from lights to garage doors to cameras all in one place.” 

“I can’t wait to see what’s next in home tech with the daily advancement of AI,” he adds. “Will we even think about opening the front door when we get home, raising the blinds in the morning, turning on the coffee maker when the sun rises or shoveling the sidewalks when snow is detected?” 

3. Video Doorbells 

“In western Pennsylvania, we are seeing lots of buyers looking to add video doorbell cameras if they aren’t already included with the sale,” Todd Van Horn, a member of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, shares. 

“I say, ‘Why not?’ This tech feature provides the buyer with increased security, package and mail protection, burglar deterrence and a general peace of mind. Consumers in general like them because they are easy to use, can provide remote two-way communication and can easily integrate into other smart home features, such as smart locks or other security systems.” 

“Who doesn’t like to have their elderly parents protected from opening the door to strangers, or the working parents able to watch their children arrive home safely from school?” he asks. “Video doorbell cams also make great closing gifts!”