Right at the start of the year, Google announced a
surprising move. It said it was purchasing a home appliance maker most of us
had never even heard of…for $3.2 billion in cash! It was a gambit
that every Charleston homeowner should note, because it signals where some very
smart money is headed: right where we live!
Remember, Google isn’t just famous for its search engine; it’s
also frequently in the news for its forays into any number of futuristic
enterprises (those mysterious barges, for instance). The appliance maker that
now has Google’s billions in its pocket is called Nest Labs, Inc. Nest makes smart
devices that reinvent the traditional ones every Charleston area homeowner has
to deal with, like thermostats and smoke detectors. “Unloved but important
devices” was how the press announcement put it.
The unique feature of Nest’s products is that they collect “user
behavior” data (i.e., homeowner actions) in order to provide a more tailored
response. Google CEO Larry Page explained, “They’re already delivering amazing products you can
buy right now–thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help
keep your family safe.”
The move of Google into the realm
of smarter homes is part of a broader trend. In the most recent American
Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey, there was a dramatic
increase in the use of technology solutions in the home. The survey noted an
increase in requests for entertainment, security and energy management systems.
Energy management systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated as households
are given the ability to manage their lighting and temperature over a wireless
network. As electronic cars become more prevalent, electronic docking systems
in the garage may also become commonplace.
How does this affect the average Charleston, SC homeowner? As
the minimum price of these systems decline, automated homes will eventually
become the norm. If today it costs around $2500 to automate your home, it’s all
but inevitable that similar features will fall in price (and grow in
sophistication). Then, when it comes to buying an Charleston area home or
listing your own for sale, the amount of smart automation is bound to become a
key selling point—trust Google!
The ability to operate and manage your house from a
wireless devices such as your smartphone or laptop is already here…and Nest’s
learning technology signals a future where our home and appliances are able to
learn from our behavior and predict our needs. Keeping an eye on the future is
a good idea for any Charleston homeowner, especially when you’re thinking of
replacing one of those “unloved but important” devices— and most especially
when you’re contemplating listing your home anytime soon. If that’s in your
future, why not give me a call? As Google is in the habit of demonstrating, it’s
never too soon to prepare for the future!
Interested in selling your
Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
Interested in buying a Charleston
area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook
Real Estate
Charleston,
SC
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