In today’s real estate market, smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, offering convenience, energy savings, and enhanced security. For buyers, acquiring a home with advanced smart systems can be a dream come true, but it also comes with a unique set of considerations. As a REALTOR, ensuring that smart home and pool features are properly transferred to the buyer is essential for a smooth transition.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know when buying or selling a smart home, complete with pool features.

1. Include Smart Devices in the Contract

When purchasing a home with smart technology, it’s important to clearly list every device that will be included in the sale. From motorized shades to smart thermostats and lighting systems, transparency is key to avoiding confusion later. Here are some common devices to confirm with the seller:

• Motorized shades/blinds (confirm number of units)
• Smart thermostats (e.g., Nest, Ecobee)
• Smart lighting systems (e.g., Philips Hue, Lutron)
• Smart speakers (e.g., Sonos, Amazon Echo, Google Home)
• Smart doorbells (e.g., Ring, Nest)
• Smart security cameras (confirm number of units)
• Smart locks (ensure all keypads and physical keys are included)
• Smart garage door openers
• Pool equipment with smart features like automated cleaners, heaters, lighting, and more

Pro Tip: Get a detailed list of the devices being included, as well as the brands and models, to prevent any unexpected surprises after the sale.

2. Account Transfers & App Setup

Once a smart home is sold, the new owner will need to take over the existing devices by linking them to their own accounts. This can be tricky without proper guidance. Before closing, the seller should:

• Remove their accounts from all smart devices
• Reset all devices to factory settings
• Provide transfer instructions or QR codes to easily link the devices to the new owner’s accounts
• Release control of any associated apps (e.g., for smart speakers, doorbells, security systems, and pool equipment)

This step ensures that the buyer can smoothly take control of the home’s systems without relying on the previous owner’s settings or subscriptions.

3. Manuals & Instructions for Smart Devices

For buyers, owning a smart home is only as convenient as understanding how to operate the devices. Sellers should provide:

• Physical or digital copies of user manuals
• Instructions on how to reset, pair, and operate all smart systems
• Manuals for pool equipment, including programming schedules and maintenance

This extra level of detail helps the buyer feel confident in managing their new home’s technology.

4. Connectivity Requirements

Smart home devices rely on stable internet connections, and some have specific requirements (e.g., 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz Wi-Fi). The seller should:

• Provide detailed internet connectivity requirements for each device
• List the necessary apps and instructions for setting up accounts (e.g., Ring, Sonos, Google Home, pool control apps)

Helping the buyer understand how to connect their new smart systems can prevent technical headaches after moving in.

5. Device Warranties & Service Contracts

A smart home can come with long-term service agreements and warranties that should be transferred to the new owner. Sellers should:

• Transfer any active warranties or service contracts for smart devices and pool equipment
• Provide details on any subscriptions or paid services (e.g., security monitoring, cloud storage for cameras, or pool maintenance) and confirm when they expire or transfer

By ensuring these contracts are smoothly handed over, the buyer will have peace of mind knowing that their new devices are fully supported.

6. Final Walkthrough: Test & Handover

Before the sale is finalized, the seller should demonstrate how key smart devices work during the final walkthrough. This includes:

• Demonstrating how to control motorized shades, cameras, and audio systems
• Testing pool equipment, such as heaters, lighting, or automated cleaners
• Handing over physical remotes, control panels, and keypads related to smart systems

A hands-on demonstration is the best way to ensure that buyers feel confident using their new smart home features.

Bonus Tip: Be Clear on What’s Not Included

Sometimes, sellers may want to keep certain portable smart devices or subscriptions that cannot be transferred. It’s crucial to explicitly mention any exclusions in the sale contract. This avoids confusion and ensures all parties know exactly what’s being transferred.

Smart home technology offers incredible convenience and luxury, but it’s essential to make sure the handover is seamless. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, use this checklist to ensure a smooth transfer of all smart devices and pool equipment.