Why Homebuilders Are Adding Home Assistants as Standard in 2026

In this episode of The Housing Economy, Lucas and Luna explore why major US homebuilders like D.R. Horton and Lennar are now including built-in smart home assistants as standard features in new construction. With housing starts up 19% year-over-year to 1.427 million in June 2026, builders are differentiating with voice-controlled hubs integrated into kitchen islands and master closets. Lucas breaks down the cost—about $200 per home—and how it ties to the median home sale price of $403,200. Luna questions whether this is genuine value or a gimmick, and they discuss how the trend reflects changing buyer expectations, particularly among younger demographics. The episode also touches on the broader push toward home automation, from smart locks to energy management, and what it means for resale value. #HomeBuilders #SmartHome #HomeAssistant #D.R.Horton #Lennar #RealEstate #HousingMarket #NewConstruction #VoiceControl #HomeAutomation #2026Trends #Economics #HousingEconomy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #HomeTech #SmartSpeaker #BuilderTrends Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo