Smart lights, voice assistants & more—what other features are considered ‘smart’?

Q: Section 22 of OREF 001 – Residential Real Estate Sale Agreement requires the seller to list all smart home features within a default of 3 business days after the effective date. Besides doorbell cameras, what other smart home features are there?

A: The term Smart Home Features is used in various areas of the OREF sale agreements (for example, the Personal Property section), and is defined in the Definitions section as: “appliances, lighting, or electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by the owner, often via a mobile app. Smart Home Features may also operate in conjunction with other devices in the home and communicate information to other smart devices.” Remember that the best practice as a seller’s agent is to ensure you receive a list of the smart home features from the seller and deliver the list to the buyer’s agent within the default or number of days specified. This can be done on an addendum or via email; but whatever method is used make sure proof of the delivery and delivery date goes into the transaction file.

Compiling a single, definitive list can be challenging with so many options available. However, here are some of the most common features that might be considered smart home features in today’s tech-savvy world:

• Locks, doorbells, garage door openers, and security cameras
• Alarm systems
• Light bulbs, switches, and ceiling fans
• Thermostats & vent controls
• Solar panel monitoring systems – a smart energy management system may be included if the home has solar panels.
• Built-in smart home hubs
• Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and washers/dryers
• Irrigation systems
• Indoor and outdoor lighting

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