How Homebuilders Are Adding Smart Home Tech to Move Inventory

Episode 28 of The Housing Economy: Lucas and Luna explore how homebuilders are increasingly bundling smart home technology—smart locks, thermostats, video doorbells, and integrated lighting—as a standard feature rather than an upgrade. They discuss why this shift is happening now, citing rising builder competition, the desire to differentiate in a slowing market, and the relatively low cost of adding tech versus other amenities. Lucas points to recent data: building permits are up to 1.423 million in April, while the median home sale price has dipped to $403,200. Builders are looking for ways to add perceived value without slashing prices further. Luna highlights a specific example: a large builder recently announced free smart home packages on all new single-family homes in Texas and Florida. They debate whether this trend is a genuine value-add or a marketing gimmick, and what it means for resale value. The conversation also touches on how smart home tech ties into energy efficiency and the broader push for solar panels. #SmartHome #Homebuilders #RealEstate #NewConstruction #HomeTechnology #EnergyEfficiency #HousingMarket #BuildingPermits #HomePrices #BuilderCompetition #Texas #Florida #SolarPanels #HomeAutomation #RealEstateTrends #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo