Adding smart home technology doesn’t have to be a complicated task. No matter your tech skill level, there is an upgrade project for your home that you can install on your own. If you’re wanting to add some smart technology to your home without the hassle, here are some easy-install ideas:
Smart Speakers
If you’re wanting to invest in some easy-to-install smart home technology, a voice-activated smart speaker is a perfect place to start. These devices connect to your other smart devices like thermostats or security hubs so that you can control them with a simple command. Smart speakers are also great for entertaining and for enjoying your favorite media. If you get a phone call and aren’t near the remote, you can tell your smart speaker to pause or mute your TV. You can request your favorite song while cooking dinner and do all kinds of other convenient and fun things with a simple setup.
Smart Bulbs & Dimmers
Smart bulbs and dimmers come with a plethora of helpful features and are easy to install. For example, you can adjust the lighting with a smartphone app or with a central hub device. Set timers for automatically turning off or changing light conditions from anywhere in the home. You can also program smart bulbs to turn off automatically when somebody leaves the room—no more forgotten light switches. Even when away from home, you can control the lights at home, making it safer and more convenient.
Simple Home Security
There are two types of smart home security that are easy to set up yourself: smart locks and video cameras. Changing the locks on your doors might not be allowed if you’re renting and depending on the door hardware, it might take a bit of effort to do. However, there are smart lock options that work with the existing hardware to make it much simpler. This smart technology lets you change the locks and keys to the entire house without replacing the hardware.
Simple video cameras with paired monitors are some of the easiest self-install technology you can add to your home. You can record footage and check in live to see what’s going on outside your door. You can spot delivery people and any dropped-off packages as well as potentially nefarious characters who might pose a threat to your home security.
These are just a few options for smart home technology you can install on your own. However, if you feel overwhelmed, there’s no shame in hiring a professional to help you get the most out of your new tech.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
