Sell Smarter: A Realtor's Guide to Showing Smart Homes

Written by Posted On Friday, 03 June 2016 15:02

As home technologies become increasingly complex and multifaceted, it's the realtor's job to learn these newest advancements to be able to explain them precisely to the buyer market. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to close a deal if you are unaware of what a high-tech system does or what it costs to maintain over time. If you want to earn a decent stream of commissions, it's prudent to read up on how to sell smart homes.

 

Be Passionate About the Technology

Smart homes come with an added premium, and the only way buyers will pay for that premium is if they are fully convinced that it's a good long-term investment. Being passionate about the technology's features and benefits helps the buyer realize the underlying value that may not be outwardly presented to them. For example, eco-friendly window blinds and deck lights can help save hundreds of dollars per year while simultaneously reduce carbon emission.

 

Understand the Underlying Technology

It will be an investment of time to learn the technology, but it's definitely worthwhile. Spend time with homeowners and contractors, jot down notes, ask for online resources, and conduct your own research on the latest home technology. Look at your property listings and write all smart features installed in them. Which ones can be controlled by mobile apps? What does the custom audio video installation offer that sets the property apart? Which installations are expensive or free to maintain? What sort of policies and permits will you require and what tax benefits can you gain?

 

Make a Dummy's Guide

Create a template that you can use to explain each technology in the simplest way possible. Not all home buyers are tech-savvy. In fact, most of them won't know much about technology besides the basic functions of a computer. Having a simple guide locks in customer attention and closes deals more quickly since there is no more reason for a customer to be hesitant about making the purchase.

 

Take Your Time

When showing potential buyers around the house, take your time in touring them. Smart homes are relatively nascent and customers have tons of questions about them. Explain everything you need to explain in one segment of the house before moving on to the next segment.

 

Selling a smart home can be challenging for inexperienced realtors and those who are not savvy enough when it comes to technology. The tips above should level the playing field and give you a competitive edge against other realtors.

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