A recent survey by Coldwell Banker reveals that the growth curve of connected-home devices, such as smart thermostats, door locks, smoke detectors and light switches, is on track to beat that of smartphones and tablets over the next five years, expanding from 20.7 million units in 2014 to 35.9 million units by 2017. Smart-home technology is predicted to become mainstream by 2020, according to a 2015 Harris Poll survey of 2,225 adults that Coldwell Banker cited in its survey.
Luxury real estate professionals say that in high-end construction, automated features—such as smart thermostats, lighting and blinds that adjust on their own—have been available for some time.
“The difference now is that properties are being retrofit with smart technology because that’s what buyers demand,” said Debbie Lewandowski, a luxury homes specialist who joined Coldwell Banker in September as manager of its Newport Beach office. She points to another company survey that says 61% of 500 affiliated sales professionals in the U.S. have seen a significant increase in buyers looking for homes with smart technology over the past five years.
Increased Connection
“Clearly the market is growing,” Lewandowski said. “Buyers are looking for convenience, security, and innovation with a practical purpose.”
“Buyers understand home automation makes life easier,” said Jeff Golden, sales director at The Strand at Headlands, a private oceanfront enclave in Dana Point. “Controlling so many features of the home from a wall-mounted touchscreen keypad or your smartphone saves time, effort and makes it easy to maximize energy efficiency.”
Lewandowski concurred. “Newer systems enable users to control their systems when they are on the move. Imagine pulling out your smartphone and turning on all your lights, set the room temperature, monitor your security system, even turn on the Jacuzzi, before you even set foot in the door. The connectivity range is constantly expanding.”
Buyers Seek Security
“People want the latest technology to keep their families safe,” Lewandowski said. She described a combination smoke-carbon monoxide alarm that links directly to a mobile phone, which can alert the user to an emergency, even if they are miles away. “Smart-home security adds probably 3 to 5% to the value of a home.”
“People who travel may find it beneficial to be able to keep an eye on their home right from their smartphone or tablet,” Golden said. “Security and surveillance technology features with numerous interior and exterior cameras—some homes have as many as 15 … cameras—record all the motion in and around the home.”
Other smart-home technologies in demand include those that control lighting, music, television programming, theater, heating and cooling, fireplace, window shades, and even kitchen appliances. Outside the home, landscape lighting, irrigation, swimming pool, waterfalls, fountains and fireplaces are hot.
Stunning In Every Way
Rachel and Doug Swardstrom of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and Lisa Zhou of Coldwell Banker Platinum Properties represented the seller and buyer, respectively, in the sale of the 15,002-square-foot Shady Canyon home at 28 Boulder View in Irvine. The sale closed Jan. 21 for $10 million, under its $12 million November list price.
Architect Brion Jeanette designed the six-bedroom, 10-bath home, which sits on a 0.96-acre plot of hilltop overlooking the Shady Canyon golf course. A tennis court, basketball half-court and 75-foot lap swimming pool are features of the backyard.
Interior spaces include a 16-seat movie theater, wine cellar and gym. It has smart-home technology, 11 flat-screen TVs, a three-story Otis elevator, and an eight-car subterranean garage.
Chic Country Charm
The French Provencal manor house at 21 Boulder View in Shady Canyon in Irvine sold on Jan. 20 for $7.9 million, under its October list price of $8.5 million.
The 10,000-square-foot home is situated on a 0.84-acre lot with golf course and hill views. It’s outfitted with smart-home technology, spans three levels, and has five bedrooms and eight baths. There is an entry foyer with an antique fireplace, a salon/living room and a separate casita.
Jacqueline Thompson of Surterre Properties Inc. represented the seller, and Brian Backstrom of Teles Properties Inc. worked on behalf of the buyer.
