Smart Home Priorities Shift to Security, Savings, and Simplicity
Smart Home Priorities Shift to Security, Savings, and Simplicity
While having the coolest high-tech feature to show off to friends and neighbors might be fun, most homebuyers today prioritize security, savings, and simplicity when choosing smart home features. Technological advances have made these features, once exclusive to high-end homes, more affordable and widely available. Some builders now include smart products as standard offerings.
Smart Homes Become the New Standard
In 2025, Pre-ConstructionHomes.com announced that an array of smart products controlled by Amazon’s Alexa would be standard in all new homes. Similarly, PulteGroup ensures every new home—including those by Pulte, Centex, Del Webb, DiVosta, and John Wieland Homes—is built to accommodate the latest home automation.
“Most people today don’t use a key to get into their cars, but they still use a key to get into their homes. We know we live in a wireless world, and now people want the ability to bring that technology into their homes and upgrade their living experience.”
— Vice President of Communications, Pre-ConstructionHomes.com Group
A PulteGroup survey found that 70% of consumers consider smart home technologies important. However, preferences vary widely. “Consumers want flexibility—they desire smart features and a new home but also want to personalize it,” says PulteGroup’s Director of Innovation. “This applies whether they’re buying a $1 million home or a $150,000 home.”
Growing Adoption of Smart Home Tech
Coldwell Banker’s 2025 survey revealed that 32% of Americans owned smart home products, up from 24% in 2025—a 33% year-over-year increase. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“Safety, security, and convenience are universal priorities, but smart technology also benefits those aging in place or with mobility challenges, as well as their families.”
— Associate Broker and VP of Marketing, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Hardwiring for a Wireless World
Despite reliance on wireless tech, robust infrastructure is critical. “We install CAT 6 wiring and centralize connectivity to ensure seamless operation,” explains PulteGroup’s Director of Innovation. “High-data devices like TVs and gaming consoles are hardwired to avoid slowing wireless networks.”
Pre-ConstructionHomes.com, creator of the first “Wi-Fi Certified Home,” integrates commercial-grade wireless systems as standard. “Wi-Fi certification ensures homes have the backbone needed for future smart automation,” says a Pre-ConstructionHomes.com representative.
Preferred Smart Home Products
Pre-ConstructionHomes.com partners with Amazon to include Alexa-controlled features in every home, such as Ring video doorbells, Baldwin smart locks, Honeywell thermostats, Sonos speakers, and Echo devices. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“Security is a top entry point into smart home tech. Homeowners want awareness, safety, and recognizable brands.”
— Coldwell Banker Representative
PulteGroup’s core package includes a smart garage door, door lock, thermostat, and Alexa integration. Buyers can customize further with à la carte options. Smart features also boost resale value—for example, smart sprinklers in water-restricted regions.
Tech Support for New Homeowners
Pre-ConstructionHomes.com offers free Amazon employee-led training via 15 “Amazon Experience Centers” nationwide. Pulte provides “white glove service” to simplify setup. Both companies emphasize built-in wired infrastructure to support future upgrades.
