EACH YEAR IN LAS VEGAS, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debuts the latest products and technologies – setting the global stage for the most innovative consumer electronics in the marketplace. In January, REALTOR® Magazine reviewed the top smart home tech offerings from CES 2020. The NVAR tech team, consisting of Associate Director of Digital Communication Steve Russell and Associate Director of Digital Engagement Leo Mofunanya, has narrowed down the list to some of the most relevant products for Realtors® to explore.
The five products featured here were chosen based on how Realtors® could use them not only in their own homes, but also as unique selling points or added amenities in a listing.
#5 GE Kitchen Hub
Microwave/ventilation combo
Smart 27” display
Three built-in cameras with AI powered computer vision
Tech Team: This installed product requires more of a commitment/investment, but my goodness is this thing cool. The GE Kitchen hub is a smart microwave that has a beautiful 27” display instead of the traditional microwave viewing window. That means you can prepare a meal on the stove while binging the Great British Bake Off on the microwave display above! You don’t have to worry about getting too distracted, because the built-in cameras will monitor food and oven temp. This is one of the coolest “futuristic” items on the list that we can absolutely see becoming a norm in new high-tech homes in the next few years.
#4 Vision Smart Lock
Multiple ways to enter a home, even without keys
Alerts owner if tampered with
Intercom system for two-way communication with a smart device
Tech Team: We really like the Vision Smart Lock because who hasn’t forgotten their keys? We have heard negative opinions about smart locks related to safety, so the added features, such as alerting the owner on entry, allay some of those concerns. The intercom system is useful and so is the ability to assign guest keycodes. A Realtor® showing a home with this feature has a great selling point to mention even before walking through the front door.
#3 Knectek Townew Automatic Trash Can
Opens lid when it is time to change bag
When bag is removed, it auto replaces the liner and closes the lid
Senses when trash is full
Tech Team: The automatic trash can might seem like a stretch as a smart device, but could be a cool addition in an already high-tech home. What a great conversation starter: “Look how high-tech this home is – even the trash bin is smart!” This could be an excellent closing gift for the technology-focused buyer.
#2 Wayzn Smart Sliding Glass Door Opener
Can be controlled via mobile app or smart speaker
Integrates with smart cameras and sensors
Can send notification when in use
Alexa and Nest compatible
Tech Team: This is one of our favorite products on the list. It provides the convenience of a pet door, while giving owners greater control. It offers pet owners the option of remotely opening the door at a set time instead of letting pets come and go as they please (although that is still an option). This way, owners can be prepared for rainy days and maybe keep muddy paw prints to a minimum. We can also see this being a cool tool for training pets about coming in and out of the house. Plus, this feels a little more safe and secure than just a flap in the door.
#1 Samsung Ballie
Smart Robot/Home companion
Auto detects users or pets
Can assist or command other home smart tech
Tech Team: The REALTOR® Magazine article put it perfectly when describing this as the closest thing yet to Rosie the robot from “The Jetsons.” This is definitely not a “starter” tech device, as home owners need to have other smart devices already in the home to make use of it, but we think Ballie is cool. As smart home tech becomes more the norm, devices like Ballie are going to help the user manage all of their tech tools. If Realtors® have listings with a lot of smart tech already installed, this would be an excellent device to showcase what the house can do. It will even tell your Roomba or other smart vacuum to clean up before the next showing appointment! Let’s be honest, it’s really cute, too.
Steve Russell is the NVAR associate director of digital communications.