Intention plus Attention

Part 2 of a Series on Smart Homes

By Ben Heinrich - [email protected]

Henry David Thoreau – “It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.”

Growing Awareness Creates Value

Time management is one of the biggest challenges for real estate agents. The demands of our business pull us in many directions making constant demands on our time. My experience has led me to think more in terms of attention management. 

I know many agents who think they are spending their time wisely, but don’t focus enough on paying attention to what is happening around them.  

The rapid changes in home automation demand our awareness and attention. The creation of this series of essays is intended to bring increased focus to this fast-paced arena.

Back to Preparation

There are two main reasons why I have intentionally invested several years in preparing and studying the emerging Smart Home landscape. 

1.      Because my clients need a better understanding of the impacts of Smart Homes.

2.      It has raised my personal awareness and recognition of how fast the Smart Home arena is changing.  

Becoming a Leader in the Industry

I am now able to appreciate and anticipate areas where I can be of greater service to my clientele, buyers and sellers. I am also becoming a leader in my industry by preparing myself for technological changes that will affect homeownership. This knowledge and awareness add value to my real estate practice as I am able to introduce these new concepts in presentations to sellers and potential buyers.

For example, when the subject of a possible remodel project is discussed, I can give added value and counsel by introducing issues and ideas surrounding Smart Home planning. My clients will be better prepared to anticipate the questions that need to be discussed with architects and contractors. I am laying a foundation that underscores the value of good preparation and planning.

The Smart Home awareness has given me a new perspective, a valuable lens and approach to analyzing homes and individual lifestyles. When my buying clients describe their wants and needs, I can anticipate the questions that need to be asked. It has also sharpened my listening skills allowing me to gain better insight into their personal lifestyles.

One of the most important aspects -  I am convinced  my greater awareness has added value to my real estate practice.  Clients are being introduced to ideas and concepts that are new and unique in real estate. I also see the opportunity to grow my practice by offering services and counsel that are currently not available in the marketplace.

The Smart Home preparation gives tools to consumers and real estate agents that help focus how we think about home automation

“Remember, a house full of gadgets is not necessarily a Smart Home”

Developing a Smart Home “is a way of thinking”, a consumer centric approach that starts with you and your family, not a gadget.

Climate Change and Responsible Counsel

Attention to Smart Home planning also encourages responsibility and accountability to the future and generations to come. Climate change, wise use of energy, creating healthy homes and the impressive value of Passive Homes.

Preparing yourself, and helping to educate and prepare your clients will make you a thought leader in your individual marketplace. There is no better satisfaction than knowing you are helping to design a future for your clients and families that is responsible, smarter and focused. 

A good first step is to be more open and aware of what is going on around you and to be mindful of the current and future Smart Home Landscape