The future will arrive in Peterborough in T-minus any day now! Do you remember those visions of modern homes from science fiction novels and shows? You step inside, where a friendly voice greets you while adjusting the lighting and the temperature to your precise comfort level.
To top it all off, the house would be 100% energy efficient and no longer reliant on the grid. In some cases, a helpful robot would roll up to neatly hang your coat in the closet. That exaggerated vision may be a little off into the future as of yet. As for the rest of it, we are well on our way, especially in the modern and forward-looking city of Peterborough. What are some of these eco-friendly, futuristic characteristics of modern homes, and what do they mean in the real estate market today?
Revolutionary Today, Normal Tomorrow
As we speak, a host of innovative breakthroughs in home technology are already available. Though they may seem absolutely groundbreaking today, future generations will come to see many of them as normal, everyday features. For example:
Solar Panels
A house that could generate its own electricity through the power of the sun was once unfathomable. Now, it’s not uncommon to pass at least one home on every block with solar panels lining the roof. Are they worth it?
The thought of saving money on the monthly hydro bill can be compelling. However, with the current cost of installation, it may take some time before you enjoy any financial benefit from your investment. In addition, adding solar panels may make your home more appealing to certain buyers, but a turnoff to others.
From a financial standpoint, the pros and cons of installing solar panels may cancel each other out. Still, the idea of being able to live “off the grid” has its own appeal, especially for those living in rural areas. And as the world becomes more conscious of its environmental footprint, going green may pay off substantially in the end, especially when taking advantage of government incentives. Currently, the federal government is offering rebates of up to $5,000, which makes installing solar far more attractive to many homeowners.
Thinking of buying a new home in Peterborough? The following resources will help you navigate the market:
- How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Peterborough You Can Trust
- Your Complete Peterborough Relocation Checklist
- Your Guide To Government First-Time Buyer Programs
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Goodbye gas-guzzling vehicles, hello electric cars, another technology that was once the realm of fantasy. Though not yet mainstream, hybrid and electric cars are quickly gaining in popularity. As such, electric charging stations are becoming more common in modern homes.
Will adding one increase the resale value of your home? It’s a little early to tell, but all signs point to this becoming a more desirable feature as time goes on. In the meantime, charging your car at home could save you at the pump. If you have solar panels, even better!
Smart Home Automation
Who would have thought that one day, your home thermostat would monitor itself? It adjusts up and down to save as much as possible on your energy bills while ensuring your comfort. At night, the temperature falls to maximize the quality of your sleep, then rises moments before your alarm goes off. If the ambient temperature varies even a degree above or below what you pre-programmed, the smart technology swiftly and automatically corrects it.
As fabulous as it sounds, smart home innovation doesn’t appeal to everyone, especially to those in the older demographics who don’t feel as comfortable with all of the apps involved. Adding it can increase the value of your house when selling, but you will want to run the numbers carefully to determine whether it’s enough to be worthwhile. The real value, however, is in your own comfort and enjoyment of a home where the temperature is always “just right!”
Smart Windows
Imagine sitting at your table, enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Suddenly, the sun starts beating in your eyes from the kitchen window. In the past, you’d fiddle with the drapes, trying to allow just the right amount of light in as your coffee gets cold.
With smart windows, you simply tap a button on an app on your phone to add a slight tint to block the offending glow–all the while still enjoying the natural light. If you have Alexa or Google Assistant, you can change your lighting instantly through a voice command!
This technology isn’t in the future; it’s right now, and it’s changing the lives of people all over the country. From transparency and sunshine to total privacy without blocking the light, your wish is your smart window’s command! As an added bonus, it can even integrate with your heating and cooling systems for maximum efficiency.
Smart windows can save on energy costs and could potentially add value to your home, making them one of the best upgrades to invest in. You can even find smart film to cover your existing windows, which can provide all of these benefits and eliminate the need for expensive replacements.
What makes Peterborough such a great place for families and everyone else? Find out in the posts below:
- How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Peterborough You Can Trust
- Your Complete Peterborough Relocation Checklist
- Your Guide To Government First-Time Buyer Programs
Technologies on the Horizon
As time goes by, many of the mind-boggling technologies and breakthroughs of our modern lives could become as every day as running water. It’s not just about becoming more eco-friendly and energy-efficient, although many of those capabilities are already in place. Smart devices enable us to control the lights and temperature and even unlock the doors for guests from afar! For many of us, it’s more about the ultimate in comfort and convenience. In fact, there are even fridges with touchscreens that allow you to do your grocery shopping right from your kitchen!
Just think of what might become of home technology in the future as Artificial Intelligence develops. Some analysts anticipate that future smart technology will be able to determine guests from residents, as well as make even more detailed predictions about our lighting and temperature preferences. Whatever lies ahead, it is sure to amaze us all, especially those of us in the real estate industry.
Do you have questions about the direction of the housing market in Peterborough? Whether buying or selling, we are happy to provide you with the answers you need. Reach out today to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to begin the conversation.
