Colorful brownstones in Park Slope, Brooklyn. NY. USA.
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It used to be that the kitchen or living room was what sold a home; The first room you enter into—the one where you imagine spending most of your time—was what buyers cared about most. It set the tone for the entire viewing and often made up their minds before they even saw the rest of the home. But all that’s changed now in the digital age, and there’s a new home feature that’s become the most important first impression you can make. In fact, it’s not even a room at all…
It’s the front door.
I know what you’re thinking: “Shut the front door! That’s crazy.” But it’s not; The front door has become the new living room. Why? Because it’s the first thing buyers notice, and it holds many clues to how modern and tech-savvy a home will be. Sure, no one used to put much thought toward the door, but that was before a host of smart home features that are now highly in-demand. Here’s what buyers look for:
Doorbell Cameras
Doorbell cameras that capture movement—whether you’re home or not—and allow you to speak to guests—again, whether you’re home or not—are becoming the norm. Any home that lacks one feels old-fashioned, and buyers absolutely take notice. While these can be purchased and installed relatively easily, it’s still a plus to see that a home already has one. If you’re looking to up your odds of getting an offer in a competitive market, I highly recommend you have one installed prior to showing the home.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are another extremely important tech feature that buyers notice right away. These devices make it easy to open and close your door for guests (you can let in the dog walker without giving him or her a key!) and make sure the door is locked if you happen to run out and forget. Smart locks can be integrated with a home security system for maximum security and control. When a buyer sees this before they even step over the threshold, they get the impression that the home has all the bells and whistles, and that the current occupant is someone tech-savvy who has already equipped the home with all the must-haves. You’d be surprised by how much of an impression this can make.
Motion-Activated Floodlights and Smart Home Systems
Finally, you might consider adding motion-activated floodlight cameras to your garage, back door, or mailbox area, if they’re not already integrated into your doorbell camera. A smart home system that allows you to easily adjust lighting, temperature, and other crucial systems from any room (or your phone) using a simple interface is also a great item to have installed just inside the door.
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Remember: A high-tech home is an easier-to-sell home, so consider adding these features if you want to make the best impression on would-be buyers.