Investing in real estate is always a great option for individuals and couples. Around the world, many people buy properties particularly houses sometimes for their personal use or for investment purposes. The investors normally purchase homes which they can renovate and resell for a profit or they may also rent out their residential properties.
In the U.S., three percent of the adult population or roughly seven million are real estate investors. Meanwhile, eight percent own investment property but don’t have current plans to purchase more.
These days, homes are becoming more advanced and the younger homeowners are now very particular about security features that will ensure their safety. Fortunately, developers as well as homeowners are keeping up with technology and are creating the so-called smart homes that use devices which can record and transmit data. This is part of what experts term as the “internet of things” (IoT) or “cloud of things” which they predict to conquer the world through 2020.
Where the Internet of Things can be Applied
The internet of things simply refers to the use of technology that’s not necessarily the computer. In the real estate world, this technology can mean products or devices that enable people to connect with each other and even transfer important data.
An example is the smart home device that allows homeowners to control what they want to do in their houses. It can also record and transmit data.
One smart home product today is known as the Nest thermostat which can be controlled using a smartphone. It is capable of setting baselines for water and electricity use and integrating data from agencies such as the city’s electrical grid and the National Weather Service. Over time, the device can already know the household’s habits and schedules that it will automatically make decisions on the best time to use energy to minimize service disruptions.
In addition to the Nest thermostat, there is also the so-called Beacon technology. Powered by Bluetooth, beacons are small devices that can be mounted and used in any location. They are capable of transmitting information to mobile devices via Bluetooth technology while tracking the movements of people inside a house. For instance, it can provide information regarding the activities of an elderly to a caregiver outside the home. It can also automatically turn lights on when a person enters a room.
Another example of a beacon is the QR code being used today in marketing a home for sale. These QR codes are very helpful particularly in areas which do not allow homesellers to put up “for sale” signs in their front yards. With the use of an app, they provide important information on the property listing to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
There’s also evidence of a growing use of the home tour software to make it easy for buyers and investors to view properties without visiting the location. With this technology, house hunters can tour a home by simply using their mobile devices.
Indeed, this smart technology is going to be the future of the real estate industry. They are considered beneficial as they provide more value to people and investors looking to buy a home.