Before selling our home last year, a realtor told us our home would qualify as a smart home because of all the technology installed. “Smart” additions included Lutron Caseta light switches in our basement to turn off lights by voice command or app, an Echobee thermostat for remote temperature control, and an app-based video camera for the driveway so we knew when package deliveries arrived. We also used Google Echo Dots around the house to set alarms, ask silly questions, and broadcast messages like a two-way radio. If you have them in two different rooms, try saying “Broadcast Good Morning.”
According to Coldwell Banker and CNET, a “smart home” is a “home that is equipped with network-connected products (i.e., “smart products” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.”
It’s one thing to install the devices and make sure they are working correctly and quite another to leave the home ready for the next homeowner. To install them, see our video on Echobee thermostats and our video series on the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting including an introduction, installation of its Smart Bridge, and using the app. On our Handyguys YouTube channel are a number of other videos on integrating smart devices and installation tips.
If you are looking to buy an Echobee thermostat for your home, Amazon is currently selling ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, SmartSensor Included, Alexa Built-In. Yes, you can directly order more paper towels from Amazon through your thermostat using the Alexa connection. Pretty cool, huh? Well, until random music starts playing through your house and you can’t find it until you stand close to the thermostat and realize where it’s coming from. You can turn off these feature if it creeps you out too much.
But, seriously, what do you do when it’s time to sell? It depends on what is included in you agreement of sale. You do need to exclude things that are attached to the house if you are taking them with you, even like brackets for surround-sound speakers. We excluded the video cameras but are leaving the Echobee thermostat and Lutron switches. Each has their own reset and “Set to Move” features. Check the instructions from each manufacturer to make sure you leave it in the proper setting for the next owner to set-up themselves.
For resetting Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches to their original factory setting, check our post detailing the process step-by step.