Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview realtors/agents, smart home/remodeling/building experts, mortgage/lending professionals, and other housing experts for the following two stories: THINK SMART: WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER HAVING SMART HOME FEATURES IN YOUR CURRENT OR NEXT HOME. A new survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate shows that: Almost half (45 percent) of all Americans either own smart home technology or plan to invest in it in 2016; Of people who do not currently have smart home technology, more than one in four (27 percent) say they will incorporate it into their lives in 2016 (details found at http://tinyurl.com/jfcvn98). Additionally, according to a Realtor.com survey, security systems, smart thermostats and lighting automation are the three most sought-after smart home features. (Details athttp://tinyurl.com/hfqzn6s). This story would examine why current or prospective homeowners should value smart home features, which smart home features offer the best value/return on investment, and what to think about with resale. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
QUESTIONS:1. What are some of the key smart home findings from the aforementioned two studies that most surprised or interested you and why?2. Why should current or prospective homeowners consider adding smart home features in their current or next home? What are some of the major benefits they offer? And why are some of these smart home features worth the extra expense?3. Which smart home features offer the best value/return on investment for homeowners? Why? Please list the approximate cost to add that smart home feature and what kind of ROI or energy savings it can provide.4. Which particular smart home features can increase resale value the most and why?5. There can be a danger to early adoption of new technology – you can pay more for it and the next generation of similar technology can be cheaper and better. What is your thought on this, and how should this factor into a homeowner’s decision on whether or not to add smart home features now?6. Your predictions: How will smart home devices/features improve and evolve in the near and long-term future? What new innovations/capabilities will homeowners be able to benefit from? And how prevalent/ubiquitous will smart home features be in future homes?7. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?8. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
realtors/agents, housing experts
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