Housing Trends for 2017

As the New Year approaches, technology trends and smart homes continue their evolution and 2017 is predicted to be a big year for housing technology market. Having a smart home or technology-driven features and can markedly increase the value of your home if your selling, and for buyers, it sets the bar for “must haves” when finding the right home. These new technologies benefit homeowners in two ways: first, they can improve the operation of your home and make it smarter and more energy efficient and they provide a sleek, modern enhancement to your décor by improving the look of everyday objects like light switches and thermostats within the residence.

From the phone in your pocket, to the car you drive to the supermarket, technology continues to improve and in 2017 it will hit the housing market in a big way. Every day, new features are being seamlessly integrated into houses to make living more comfortable in a better, smarter home.

One growing trend is décor-friendly gadgets. New home technology is blending in better with the style and fit of a living space. Smart door locks look sleek and modern, thermostats are aesthetically pleasing, and charging docks are built right into easy to reach places around the home, for aesthetics and convenience.

Another tech trend to watch for this year is wireless power controls. New systems allow you to control everything from one device, like a phone or computer. You can turn on and off lights, music, or the TV, raise or lower the shades, and heat or cool the house, all from one device. These advancements to the home remove the need to manually complete tedious tasks and allow for a more comfortable living style.

Smart thermostats have come along way from simply being programed to certain temperatures for a specific amount of time. Not only have they been upgraded to be controlled from a mobile device, but can also learn habits to raise or lower temperatures when you get home, go to bed, or get up in the morning.

Another home technology improvement is the smart lock. This feature works similarly to a car lock, with a keyless entry system. Phones can act as a key now, which helps with the hassle of losing real keys, or having to make copies to leave for a real estate agent or someone else that may need access to your home.

In addition, style trends are changing too. Sleek black stainless steel is quickly replacing polished stainless steel for home appliances. Matte black fixtures are also coming into style as a simple and elegant accent to any room in the house. Matte black on small items like cabinet pulls and lights recharges the look of a room instantly.

Bathrooms are styled to feel more like a living space. New wallpaper, the right light fixture, and plush seating are all quick enhancements that are changing the vibe of the modern bathroom.

One last trend for styles in the home is marble accents. Clocks, coasters, and candleholders are just a few items that have been revolutionized in the home with marble. These small home improvements can add big luxury to every room in the house.

What new trends are you seeing out there? Tell us on Twitter @BMSRealEstate.