Most upgrades are done with the future in mind. Sometimes that future is dinner. Sometimes it’s resale value.
The smart home trend lives somewhere in the middle. It promises convenience now, return later. And for homeowners looking to sell in the next few years—or just not burn cash on outdated tech—it helps to know which upgrades are worth it.
Spoiler: not all of them are.
Here’s what actually moves the needle when it comes to resale, and what’s just another gadget collecting dust.
Smart Thermostats: The Minimum Viable Upgrade
If your thermostat still looks like it belongs in a ‘90s sitcom, start here. Smart thermostats are expected now. Not impressive. Not groundbreaking. Just expected.
According to Natural Resources Canada, smart thermostats that learn your habits and adjust accordingly can reduce energy waste while keeping your home comfortable. For buyers, that translates into long-term savings, without having to touch a dial.
Not all models are worth it. Consumer Reports routinely ranks the best smart thermostats for performance and value, so you’re not just adding tech, you’re adding trust.
What it costs: $150 to $300What it returns: Better showings, easier buyer justification, possible rebate
Smart Locks and Video Doorbells: Security That Stages Well
No one ever walked into an open house and said, “I love the carpet, but I really wish this place felt less secure.”
Smart locks and doorbells like Ring or Google Nest provide a subtle but strong sense of safety. Buyers don’t necessarily use them right away, but they like knowing they could. That sense of optional security adds a layer of emotional value that traditional locks do not.
What it costs: $100 to $500
What it returns: Strong first impression, especially in urban areas or family neighbourhoods
Automated Lighting: Convenience That Photographs Well
Lighting upgrades don’t just help during showings. They help in the photos. Which is where most buyers first meet your home.
Smart bulbs, dimmers, and motion sensors create atmosphere. They hint at efficiency. You can set scenes with an app instead of staging with clunky lamps. And that gives buyers the impression they’re stepping into a home that’s been pre-optimized.
What it costs: $15 to $80 per fixture
What it returns: Stronger staging, smoother mood-setting, better listing photos
Leak Sensors and Smart Water Shutoff Valves: Invisible ROI
Nobody’s impressed by your leak sensor. They’re just relieved it exists.
Plumbing-related damage is one of the biggest deal-killers during inspections. Water sensors placed near the water heater, laundry machine, and dishwasher show that you’ve thought about the unglamorous parts of homeownership. That kind of foresight translates to buyer confidence.
Bonus: if they never notice them, even better. That means they worked.
What it costs: $50 to $500 depending on system
What it returns: Inspection reassurance, risk reduction, peace of mind
Smart Garage Upgrades: When the Outside Matters
A garage that opens with your phone is not revolutionary. It’s functional. And when buyers are trying to picture themselves arriving home, those small conveniences matter.
Garage door openers with smart features can also sync with home security systems and delivery drop-off zones. This feels like a luxury add-on. It’s not. But it feels like it. Which is enough.
What it costs: $250 to $400
What it returns: Emotional buy-in, especially from car-dependent buyers
Where It All Connects: Smart Homes Still Need Smart Agents
Here’s the part most homeowners skip. Tech is only part of the picture. The right upgrades only add value if the buyer understands what they’re looking at—and what it means for their future in the home.
That’s where your real estate team comes in.
Working with an experienced agency like Harvey Kalles Real Estate ensures that the upgrades you make are positioned properly. Their team doesn’t just list your home. They translate features into stories buyers can trust and price those features accordingly.
Final Word: Tech Alone Won’t Sell the House
A touchscreen fridge won’t make up for a bad floorplan. An app-controlled light switch won’t distract from creaky stairs. Smart upgrades work best when they’re part of a whole-home strategy, not the entire strategy.
Use them to enhance what you already have. To hint at thoughtfulness. To show that this house isn’t just where someone lived—it’s where someone paid attention.
And that, more than any gadget, is what buyers are actually shopping for.