Home improvements to increase home value — that’s what everybody talks about, but what’s actually worth your time and money? If you’re sitting there thinking, “Should I install smart devices or just redo the kitchen?” you’re not alone. Every day homeowners weigh these decisions, trying to figure out which upgrades pay off and which ones are just hype.
Let’s cut the fluff and talk about real talk: the smart home improvements that put actual dollars back in your pocket when it’s time to sell or refinance. I’ve seen this play out first-hand — smart upgrades can 100% boost your home equity if you know what you’re doing.
Why Homeowners Are Betting Big on Smart Home Upgrades
It’s not just about making your house “feel fancy.” Smart features aren’t novelties anymore — they’re expected by a lot of buyers now. A good mix of smart tech paired with classic upgrades? That’s the secret sauce.
And we’re not talking about turning your house into a spaceship. We’re talking functional, practical, security-driven, energy-saving tech that makes life easier and adds real value. Here’s how to think about it.
Top Smart Home Improvements to Increase Home Value
I’m going to walk through the smart upgrades that actually move the needle on your home equity — not just gadgets that sound flashy but do nothing for your bottom line.
1. Smart Thermostats (Trust Me, Buyers Notice)
Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee? They’re a no-brainer. Not only do they help lower your energy bill, but they also make your home feel more modern instantly. I’ve seen agents lead with this in listings. Why? Because buyers love them.
- Easy to install (can take less than 30 minutes)
- Lowers heating and cooling bills — major plus in the long-run
- Syncs to your phone, integrates with Alexa/Google
We added one to our rental property last year, and within one week, our tenant said it made her feel “like the place was higher end.” Translation: perceived value went up. That’s what you want.
2. Smart Locks and Keyless Entry
If you’re still giving guests a metal key, it’s time to retire that game. Smart locks are where it’s at — think August, Yale, or Schlage options. Super helpful for rentals and adds a layer of security buyers are now hunting for.
- Let guests or handymen in remotely
- No more “I lost my key” texts
- Clean, modern look — magnetic on photos
Smart locks don’t just keep your home safer — they straight-up make it more valuable by signaling that your home is up to date.
3. Video Doorbells & Outdoor Security Cams
This one is huge right now. Everyone wants to know who’s at the door. Whether it’s a package delivery or an unexpected visitor, safety sells. Ring and Google Nest are top names, and they’re affordable too.
- Real-time alerts on your phone
- 2-way audio so you can talk to whoever’s there
- Easy resale feature in real estate listings
And let’s be real — buyers with kids or who travel a lot? They love this stuff. This is one of the easiest home improvements to increase home value, pound for pound.
4. Smart Lighting That Doesn’t Break the Bank
Adding smart lighting to your home won’t cost much, but it changes the vibe quick. I threw up Philips Hue bulbs in my kitchen and living room, and suddenly the whole place felt fresh. That’s why buyers react well to it.
- Control lighting from your phone
- Set schedules or tie it into home routines
- Bonus: reduces electricity usage too
You don’t need to upgrade every bulb. Focus on high-traffic areas where buyers will get the “experience.” Think foyer, kitchen, living room.
5. Whole-Home Smart Systems (But Start Small)
Going full smart-home is doable, but you don’t have to swing for the fences on day one. Start with what matters most: climate, locks, and security. Then grow from there. Voice assistants (Google or Alexa), lighting routines, and smart plugs are all low-hanging fruit.
Remember, you don’t need a billboard of gadgets. You want a smart flow — little things that make life smoother and show buyers your house feels intelligent. That’s the difference.
Real Examples: What Buyers Are Looking For
Let me give you a snapshot from a buddy of mine who sold a place in Columbus. He did three things:
- Swapped to smart locks and doorbell
- Added a smart thermostat + window sensors
- Staged the open house to demo the tech
His house sold 7% higher than what others on the block were getting. Could’ve been luck, but I really think the smart angle played a heavy hand.
Stack Smart Tech with Traditional Upgrades
Look, smart features crush on listings, but you still need the basics: tight curb appeal, updated kitchens, solid plumbing. The reAlpha blog has put out some killer content on home renovations and real estate listing best practices that tie right into this.
Layer smart tech on top of strong bones, and that’s when your equity shoots up. If you want deeper ROI info, check out Which Home Renovations Increase Home Value.
How to Avoid Overdoing Smart Upgrades
Easy trap to fall into: installing $10,000 worth of automation that makes no difference when buyers show up.
Here are 3 ways to avoid that:
- Stick with widely adopted tech (not just what you like)
- Make sure everything is easy to use (confusing tech turns off buyers)
- Don’t mess with the aesthetics — keep it slick and hidden where possible
FAQs
Do smart home improvements really add value?
Yes. Buyers like convenience, safety, and savings. If your tech makes life easier and helps cut down costs, it’s value added — plain and simple.
What smart home upgrade gives the best ROI?
Thermostats, video doorbells, and smart locks usually bring the biggest bang for your buck. They’re also some of the cheapest and easiest to install.
Should I go full smart-home before selling?
Nope. Instead, pick 3-5 core upgrades that show off value. Focus on what buyers actually care about — safety, energy savings, and convenience.
Can I DIY my smart home improvements?
You sure can. Most devices are plug-and-play these days. I’ve set up everything from thermostats to locks with just YouTube and a screwdriver.
Will these tech upgrades help refinance my home?
Indirectly, yes. If they raise your appraised value, they boost your home equity, which is key when locking in better refinance terms. More on how to increase home equity over at this article.
Conclusion
Smart home improvements to increase home value are one of the few upgrades you can do where the results aren’t just visual — they’re functional, too. Start small, stay consistent, and lock in that equity. We’re just getting started.