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 New Orleans 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 New
Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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!
Terez Harris NOLA Real Estate Group
(504)297-2619
Harris.Terez@gmail.com
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Each office independently owned and operated. All brokers licensed in the state of Louisiana.
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